Barnes, Judith Rankin's Obituary
Judith Rankin Barnes died peacefully in Memphis on April 7, 2025, surrounded by her children and loved ones. Judy lived in Memphis, TN for her first forty-four years, and in Point Clear, Alabama for the next forty before returning to Memphis in 2023 to be closer to her children.
After attending Little Flower, Judy graduated from St. Agnes Academy as a member of the class of 1956. Judy attended Memphis State University before moving to New York to live and work.
Upon returning to Memphis, she was married and had three children in rapid succession.
Judy was passionate about sports throughout her life. She loved attending MUS football games and coaching her daughter’s basketball team at St. Agnes. All the while Judy continued to perfect her tennis game and was ranked in the state in singles and doubles. She particularly enjoyed beating some of the men who regularly played at The University Club.
Judy was also an avid reader and co-owned The Round Table bookstore in Memphis in the late seventies. Later she co-wrote several books about life on the Gulf Coast in a series called Coasting.
Judy and Roy mutually loved traveling, especially to Italy and France. Once grandchildren arrived, Judy was determined to teach them to enjoy new adventures, taking them to New Orleans, Orange Beach, Disney World, North Carolina, New York and the Grand Canyon. On “JuJu trips” there were few rules, just fun.
Judy was predeceased by her parents Marguerite Pinkston Rankin and Frederick Gilbert Rankin. Judy’s husband of 43 years, Dr. Roy James Barnes, predeceased her in 2014. Together they are survived by Dr. Lyle Barnes Montgomery (Michael), Margaret Elise Barnes, Roy James Barnes Jr, Nelle Harris Van Brocklin (Thomas), Jennifer Harris Hester (Michael), and Andrew P. Harris. John Anthony Barnes died in 2014. Her six grandchildren who knew her as “JuJu” are Michael Montgomery (Amy), Kate Montgomery DeMers (Matt), Katherine Caywood Boleware, Sarah Hester Simon (Zach), Sam Barnes, Lily Van Brocklin, eight great- grandchildren, and one due in April. She also leaves her 15-year-old Jack Russell Terrier, Piper, who brought her great joy and companionship in her final years. Piper is spending her remaining years with Nelle and Tommy.
The family will receive friends and family for visitation prior to the service on Friday, April 11, 2025, from 9:00 to 10:00 at Memorial Park Funeral Home followed by a graveside service at 10:00 at Memorial Park Cemetery.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be sent to The Alzheimer's Association or to The Humane Society of Memphis.
Memorial Park Funeral Home and Cemetery, 5668 Poplar Ave, Memphis, TN, 38119, (901) 767-8930.
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