Judy Kaye Martin Shirey grew up in a small town, Arkadelphia, AR. She was raised by a true southern lady and grew to become one herself. Judy has a little sister, Margaret, that she loved with her whole heart but also loved to tease. The Martin sisters are truly the closest sisters ever. When Judy Kaye loved someone, she loved them completely.
Judy loved her classmates. They are still a very tightly bonded group. Judy, of course, was a school reporter on the yearbook staff. She knew everything about everyone and never forgot a big event or birthday. She was the historian of FHA and held a state degree with the organization. Judy was honored to also hold many other positions for her high school class. She stayed close with each of her classmates throughout the years and was so sad she was not able to go the last few reunions.
While visiting her Aunt Connie in Hayte, MO, Judy Kaye met and fell in love with a southern boy named Billy, William A. Shirey. They wrote letters to each other daily, sometimes two or three a day, while their love grew. It was a true romance built on faith and the love they had for each other. Judy and Bill had two children, Stasie and Bo. She would go to the ends of the world for her children, even driving three hours in the late night hours to bring her forgetful daughter’s boots for a Christmas parade. She NEVER missed a game or performance. When Judy’s grandchildren were born, they became her world!! She was always so proud of each of their accomplishments. She cherished every visit, especially after she became unable to move on her own.
Judy Kaye was a true southern Lady. She dressed with class and style. As Judy grew into the lady she was to become, she had a look that was a mix of the model Twiggy and First Lady Jackie O. She could decorate and add the final touches that would make any room come together. She would always remember her friends and go above and beyond for them. Judy Kaye will be missed. After suffering with MS for 27 years, the final seven years immobile, she is now set free and rejoicing in her new heavenly body!
In lieu of flowers, the family is asking that donations go to the MS society. https://www.nationalmssociety.org/Donate
She is survived by her husband of 57 years: Bill Shirey; two children: Stasie Veinotte of Humble, Texas and Bo Shirey of Cullman, AL.; her son-in-law: Matt Veinotte; her daughter-in-law: Katie Shirey; four grandchildren: Conner Veinotte, Emma Shirey, Will Shirey and Anna Shirey and a sister: Margaret Brazil and her husband, Bill of Arkadelphia, Arkansas.
The family will receive friends on Monday, March 7, 2022 from 6:00 p.m. – 8:00 p.m. at Moss Service Funeral Home. The funeral service will be held on Tuesday, March 8, 2022 at 2:00 p.m. at Moss Service Funeral Home Chapel; Rev. Keith Inman will officiate. Burial with follow in Cullman City Cemetery.
Pallbearers will be Will Shirey, Scotty West, Connor Veinotte, Bo Shirey, Kevin Inman and Garlan Gudger, Jr. Honorary pallbearers will be Matt Veinotte, Jim Brazil and Hugh Hinson.
