Judith Anne Kicklighter passed away peacefully on the morning of February 25, 2018.
Judy was born in Charleston, South Carolina on September 15, 1946, and spent most of her young life in Myrtle Beach and surrounding areas.
Judy was predeceased by her mother, Evelyn Hucks Churchill, and brothers, Johnny Leland Mercer and James Michael Mercer.
Survivors include her daughter, Jill Anne Smith (Chris) of St Simons Island, and granddaughter, Anna Elizabeth Carroll, also of St Simons. In addition, Judy is survived by her sister, JoLynn Churchill Morris of Summerville, S.C., and brothers, Peter Albert Churchill, of Myrtle Beach (Angela), and Wayne Mercer (Dethia) of Hickory, North Carolina, as well as several beloved aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Also surviving is Judy's former son-in-law Terry Carroll (Windy) of Brunswick, and her eldest grandchildren, Amanda Carroll Goplin (Jesse) of Killeen, Texas, and Tyler Carroll (Alexandria) of St Simons Island. Judy returned to the Golden Isles of Georgia in the late 70's, and quickly made it her home. She worked in the food service industry for many years as the food and beverage manager of Crane's, and was once owner of The World Famous Bluebird Café in downtown Brunswick. It was here that she found her passion for serving others which, in 1993, led her to a long, fulfilling career in real estate. She received her GRI in 1996, and worked for several agencies throughout her career, culminating with Century 21 American Heritage in Brunswick.
During her life, she was affiliated with several organizations, clubs, associations and charitable events, and, most notably, as a breast cancer survivor, the American Cancer Society. Judy was a quick-wit, had an infectious smile, and was a champion of the underdog. There was never a room so dark that she couldn't shine light upon it. Judy left behind many friends who have been nothing short of a Godsend to her and her family. She loved her friends and family with reckless abandon and will be sorely missed by all.
A celebration of Judy's life will be held at St. Mark's Episcopal Church, 900 Gloucester Street, Brunswick, GA at 2:00pm Thursday March 1, Father Alan Akridge officiating. The family will receive friends from 12:30-1:30 in the church parish hall. The family suggests any contributions in Judy's name be made to the American Cancer Society or to St. Mark's Episcopal Church.