Judy D. Knoop's Obituary
Judy Wilkes Knoop, 68, passed away peacefully on September 1, 2016 following a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease. Judy was born on September 10, 1947 to Ruby and Robert Wilkes in Nashville, TN. She lived in Nashville, TN before relocating to Memphis, TN in 1969 with her beloved husband, Pete. To describe Judy as talented is tantamount to describing Methuselah as merely old. She was a gifted artist which complemented her activities in interior design, home construction and remodeling. Her various activities included building a swimming pool, constructing a tennis court, developing a subdivision, and painting a Sesame Street mural in a playroom for a close friend. Judy was a living juxtaposition of virtues not often paired together; her physical beauty belied her eagerness to get her hands dirty, just as her easy grace belied her tenacity and fearlessness in the face of challenge. Judy truly loved life and found immense joy in gardening, cooking, playing tennis with friends and travelling abroad with her cherished husband Pete. Judy loved animals and she loved her family. Her affection for her family was steadfast even during the times when the grip of her illness grew tight. Her deep love for Pete was evident by her signature radiant smile, playful exuberance, and excitement every time he walked into the room. Judy will be lovingly remembered by all who knew her for her enduring kindness, insatiable curiosity, and devotion to the people she loved. Judy is preceded in death by her parents. She is survived by her husband, Pete, of the home; her children, Peter Knoop, Jr. (Kim) of Chattanooga, TN and Jennifer Sullivan (Calvin) of Memphis; her siblings, Barbara McCall (Tony) of Nashville, Patsy Tanley of Nashville, Kenny Wilkes (Glenda) of Nashville, Eileen Roney of Nashville, Jack Wilkes (Rhonda) of Muskogee, OK, and Tim Wilkes of Memphis; her grandchildren Vitaliy Knoop, Stella Knoop, and Rocco Knoop all of Chattanooga, TN and Burr Sullivan and Wilkes Sullivan of Memphis; and countless nieces and nephews. Judy’s family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to her dear friend Dana Mitchell and to the staff of The Gardens of Germantown for their tireless devotion to Judy’s well-being and comfort. The family will receive visitors from 8:30 to 10:00 on Wednesday, September 7 at Memorial Park, 5668 Poplar Avenue, Memphis, TN 38119 followed by a memorial service at 10:00. In lieu of flowers, memorials in Judy’s memory may be made to Page Robbins Adult Day Center, 1961 South Houston Levee Road, Collierville TN 38017.
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