Judith White
Judith Lee Manley White was born in Morgantown, WV, on October 17, 1946. Growing up in Westover and Morgantown, she graduated from Morgantown High School in 1964.
In the early 70's, by now divorced and a single Mom, Judy began working at West Virginia University Medical Center where her work ethic and business skills were soon appreciated. But it was her irrepressible laugh, pleasant demeanor and people skills that caught the attention of the Chairman of Psychiatry, Wil Spradlin. Judy became his personal secretary and administrative assistant, managing the business and personnel matters of the department.
Thus began her life career as a business manager in academic psychiatry. Judy continued in her administrative position at WVU until 1984 when she moved to Charlottesville, VA to join "The Boss" - her fond and respectful term for Dr. Spradlin - as well as other friends and associates from WVU who had reinvented the Psychiatry Department at the UVA School of Medicine.
At UVA Judy soon established herself as not only a capable business person but developed a program that introduced electronic billing for the department. This won awards and recognition for her at UVA and was subsequently adopted by the other departments in the medical center.
More important to her were the many friendships that she cultivated and sustained for life. Judy never knew a stranger - she would enter a room with five new people and leave with four new friends. There are certainly dozens of people scattered about the US who still remember 'that nice lady on the Amtrak to Wisconsin'.
She loved board games (bridge and mah-jongg), painting (watercolors and oils) and reading. Unfortunately macular degeneration robbed her of these pleasures in her waning years. She was a member of the UVA Women's Club and the Old Fart's Lunch Group. She volunteered at the Food Bank and tutored elementary school children through the JABA Fish program.
She loved her Bible Study Group at All Saints where she developed her love of God as well as other members of the church.
She loved to travel and vacation with family and friends. She and her son, Jeff, explored the West and South, as well as beaches and theme parks. It was during these travels that Jeff dubbed her 'mama lead foot'. She touch upon 47 states all told.
Judy was proceeded in death by her parents John and Helen Manley. She is survived by her son Jeffrey Lee, Jr. (who Judy absolutely adored) of WI and one sister, Deborah Manley Elliot of WV. Judy has many beloved cousins in WV, especially Gary and Larry Toothman, and many, many friends who she considered her extended family. In her later years she fell in love with five neighbor children who she considered her grandchildren.
Special thanks to her doctors and nurses at UVA Hospital, Low Vision Society and to Hospice of the Piedmont and Visiting Angels for making it possible for Judy to pass away peacefully in her home with her son and best friends. Special thanks to one Visiting Angel, Pam Brent - who took excellent care of Judy and became her last new friend.
A service in Judy's honor will be held at All Saints Anglican Church (Ivy Road) on Saturday, August 17 at 10:30 - Father Sean McDermott presiding. A reception will be held at the church following the ceremony.
One week later on Friday, August 23", at 10:30, a graveside service for the interment of her ashes will be held at Beverly Hills Memorial Gardens in Westover, WV. The Rev. Kevin Cain officiating.
Judy requested that friends remember her to their favorite charity in lieu of flowers.
