Judy Gaines

Judy Gaines of Southaven, MS and most recently of Brookland, AR passed away on Thursday, March 31 ^st .  She fought a valiant battle with a rare blood disease.  She was a fighter and fierce in her short battle and we all admire her strength and resolve to get better.  Even though she admitted she was scared, she was brave to take the necessary steps to improve her health and prolong her life.  We are so saddened that the last treatment did not work but are thankful that she no longer has the struggle and is at peace.

Judy was born on December 12, 1959, to W.L. and Nina Cornwell.  She graduated from Brookland High School where she was known as the class-clown and life of the party.  She went on to a career in logistics.  She held many Vocational Education Certifications and excelled in her customer service role.  Her friendly demeanor and quick wit, served her well in the industry and she was loved by many clients and co-workers alike.  Most recently, Judy’s labor of love was being a caregiver for her parents.

She is preceded in death by her father, W.L. and her brother Clay.

She is survived by her mother, Nina, sisters, Jeannette (Doyne) and Nanci; her brother Doug (Wendy), her two Nephews Eric (Erika) and Jake (Chloe) and her Niece Amber (Trent).  She was the fun Aunt Mimi to Madison, Gabriel, Copeland and Noble.  She doted on them all and baby Noble brought so much joy to her the last few months of her life.

She enjoyed her trips to the beach, Nascar races, and the occasional casino seafood buffet.  Judy loved big and left behind the love of her life (Steve) and his mother Pat (the closest she had to a mother-in- law) whom she loved for years. Judy was a loving daughter, sister, aunt, friend, and mother to her fur babies.  She called her sister-in-law Wendy an angel and held a special place in her heart for her and her family.  She loved all animals and gave many a stray a happy home.  She made us all feel special.  She was funny and caring and will be greatly missed by us all.  Heaven gained an angel, and we are all thankful for the time we had with her.

A celebration of her life will be held, Saturday, April 23 ^rd @ 2 pm in the Chapel of Emerson’s Funeral Home in Jonesboro.   All are invited to attend from 1 pm to 2 pm and share their stories of how Judy affected their life.  The service will follow at 2 pm.