Judy Ann McSween, 78 of Crestview, passed away Wednesday, July 7, 2021. Mrs. McSween was born August 12, 1942, in Trion, Georgia and was a resident of Okaloosa County since she moved here in 1966 from Stringer, Mississippi.
Judy graduated from Laurel High School in Laurel, Mississippi then she went on to receive her Bachelor of Science and was a Chemistry, Biology double major from University of Southern Mississippi. She attended medical technology school for one year at The Baptist hospital in Jackson, MS. Judy also received her master’s degree from University of West Florida in Education.
She was Okaloosa County Teacher of the Year. She was listed as The Who’s Who in the American Education Society.
She taught 2 years at Edge Elementary in Niceville, Florida and spent her 39 remaining years of her career teaching 1st and 2nd grade at Northwood Elementary School in Crestview, Florida.
Teaching and impacting the lives of her students was her passion. If ever a student was in need, she would sacrifice and put the needs of others before her own.
She was a wonderful wife to Jim and mother to Rhett and Brandon. She was a caring friend to all. The only thing she loved more than her husband and children were her precious pair, Cory and Cara, and her 2 adorable great-granddaughters. She also loved her daughter in law, Cheryl and her granddaughter in law, Sarah as her own.
Her best friends were her husband of 57 years and her sister, Vicki. She loved her nieces and nephews like they were her own children.
Although she deeply loved her husband, family, and friends, her first love was her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
She was an avid supporter of the Crestview Bulldogs and her beloved Florida Gators.
She was kind and generous to every person she knew. She made friends every place she went.
Judy is preceded in death by her parents, Julian David and Ann Hasselltine Cooper. Judy is survived by her husband, James William McSween, her two sons, Rhett (Cheryl) McSween, Brandon McSween, brother-in-law, Mike (Sherry) McSween, sister, Vicki (Gene) Winstead, two grandchildren, Cory (Sarah) McSween, Cara McSween, two great grandchildren, Jayma and Ella along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Funeral service will be held Thursday, July 15, 2021, beginning at 2:00 pm, Lifepoint Church 400 S. Ferdon Blvd, Crestview Florida, with Pastor Mike Lugones officiating. The family will receive friends Thursday, July 15th from 1 to 2 pm at Lifepoint Church.
You may leave your condolences at www.brackneyfuneralservice.com
In Lieu of Flowers please send donations to St. Jude Research Hospital.
PAUL CONRAD (friend)
July 10, 2021, 12:00 am
I was shocked to hear of Judy’s passing. I was her minister of music for several years and I was privileged to have her and her son Brandon in my choir. My heart aches for the family as they go through this season of loss. even though you know where she is, she met the Lord Christ decades ago, you will still miss her glowing smile and loving personality. She was one of he finest examples of A Christian lady I can think of.
Dann & Denise Bowers (Friend)
July 10, 2021, 12:00 am
Jim, my heart is broken for you. What a blessing it was to know Judy. She was always kind and opened her home to me, regardless of the hours you and I got back. She will be missed.
Rhonda Hubbard (Friend )
July 12, 2021, 12:00 am
I am so sorry to hear this news Mr. McSween, Brandon, Rhett & other family members. I am honored to have known this sweet lady. I’m sending prayers of comfort & condolences. Blessings
Margaret Hinson Mccrary (Friend)
July 12, 2021, 12:00 am
The sweetest neighbor and friend anyone could have. Awesome teacher. RIP my friend.
Pam Callahan (friend)
July 13, 2021, 12:00 am
I love this family and pray for God to comfort each of you at this time of your grief. Judy was not only a caring and professional teacher; she was a mentor for many young teachers-to-be! She taught each student in the manner in which they learned, even when it took more time and preparation. Her patience was equal to Job’s! She was instrumental in my son becoming a psychologist! She understood that every child was not the same and that was OK. She started where they were and nudged them forward. Over the years she inspired me in my own “new beginning” in my teaching career. She and Jim have prepared thousands of children to be better adults; they have inspired hundreds of teachers to do better and Crestview is better because of them!
Melissa Carroll McClella (Former Student and close friend of Mrs McSween)
July 13, 2021, 12:00 am
Mrs.McSween was my first grade teacher at Northwood Elementary. July 7 2021 was a sad day for me. She was a fine example of what a Godly woman really is. She used to pray with us every day after we formed a line to go to lunch. I’m glad I got the pictures I did of her and I. My heart is so broken. I saw her all the time at the store and she always recalled days I was in her class. It made my day. To say Im gonna miss you Mrs McSween is an understatement we were really close even after she taught me up until a few days ago. I have no doubt she is in Heaven I’m just gonna miss her terribly. Fly high precious angel and just know you’ll be missed.
Mary & Derek Walters (Friend)
July 14, 2021, 12:00 am
Eternal rest grant unto Judy, O Lord, and may perpetual light shine upon her.
We are so saddened to hear of Judy’s passing. Our deepest condolences to Jim, Rhett, Brandon and family. We will always remember Judy’s kindness and her beautiful smile. She was a shining example of what it means to live for Christ and is now in the company of angels. Rest easy friend and thank you for being a part of our lives.
Our thoughts and prayers are with you all.