Judy Ussery Obituary

Judy Hayward Sanders Ussery, 80, of Grenada, passed away Sunday, August 17, 2025 in Mobile, AL. She was born January 17, 1945 in Grenada to Ben Gordon Sanders, II and Magnolia Hayward Sanders. Judy Sanders attended Grenada Schools and was a 1963 graduate of John Rundle High School followed by two years at Holmes Junior College in Goodman as a cheerleader and class beauty.

Judy left a career in Texas to return to Grenada to take care of her aging parents. Training in the art of caretaking was refined by being mother to daughters, Denise and Dana. Caretaking became Judy's trademark as she was kind and thoughtful to everyone she met. She never met a stranger and could talk to anyone about anything while listening carefully.

JuJu was the best hockey grandma to Wyatt as she followed his travel team to distant locations, rooting for her grandson and his team. Judy knew the art of storytelling, as good Southern girls should do, especially stories about son-in-law, Dale. Judy loved being outdoors. Yard work was no chore for her as she had many beautiful flowers and garden vegetables in season.

A favorite pastime was driving around Grenada Lake with friends taking time to stop and relax at the spillway, and also taking time to sit on a swing with friends while watching to see what the catch of the day would be. You probably remember Judy as she worked in Stoker Jewelry or at Edward Jones, both jobs requiring people skills and Judy was very good at aiding people with their needs.

As a Grenada County Election Commissioner, Judy enjoyed this work and working with many new people especially on Election Day. All these people became lifetime friends. The Farmer's Market was Judy's place to be on Saturday morning for many years. She was there to "open" the market at 7:00 AM and close it down at 11:00 AM. Friends made at Grenada's Farmer's Market were forever friends.

Judy moved to Mobile to be near her daughter Dana and granddogs, Harper and Ace and was soon given the opportunity to become a caretaker for a sweet little orphaned dog named Abby who became a constant companion. Soon thereafter, a new role became necessary as she began helping with the care of her sister-in-law.

Judy enjoyed watching cooking shows and Fox News on TV, sitting outside in the sun with Abby and working word puzzles. Judy especially enjoyed talking on the phone and texting with her many friends. Cooking for friends and family was legendary for Judy. Collecting and reading cookbooks was an avid pursuit and Judy won numerous cooking contests. Cooking with son-in-law, Billy, especially pumpkin rolls and Billy Bites will never be forgotten.

Judy left the hospital after every stay with knowledge of all the nurses and their families and the nurses knew and loved her too. Above all, Judy cared about everyone she came in contact with and is a person who was dearly loved and will be greatly missed.

Funeral services to celebrate Judy's remarkable life will be held at 2:00 PM Saturday, August 23, 2025 at McKibben and Guinn Funeral Service in Grenada with Bro. Paul Reese officiating. Interment will follow in the Oddfellows Cemetery. The family will receive friends from noon until service time Saturday at McKibben and Guinn.

Survivors include two daughters, Denise Harris(Dale) of Odessa, TX and Dana Hearn of Mobile, AL; sister, Rebecca Sanders of Grenada and her beloved grandson, Wyatt Harris of Odessa, TX.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents; son-in-law, Billy Hearn; sister, Patricia Sanders Whitfield and a brother, Ben "Buddy" Sanders.

Memorials may be directed to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.

Online condolences may be expressed to the family at www.mckibbenandguinn.com.

Arrangements have been entrusted to McKibben and Guinn Funeral Service in Grenada, (662-307-2694).