Judy Spraberry Hartley

Judy Hartley, 78, passed away peacefully surrounded by family on Tuesday, June 18, 2024, in Waco, Texas. A memorial service will be held at 11:00 am on Saturday, June 22, 2024, at Central United Methodist Church, with Pastor Bob Rainey officiating.

Judy was born on August 29, 1945, in Lamesa, Texas to Richmon and Charlene Spraberry. She grew up on her family’s beloved cotton farm and carried the warm love of her parents with her for her entire life. After high school, she moved and spent some time away from Texas. In 1980, she moved her family to Waco. Judy was a Mom who was determined to give her children the best life and be present for them in every season. She raised her kids to know the importance of a relationship with Jesus, hard work, intentionality, kindness, good humor, and generosity in all areas of life, especially to one’s church and family. She truly loved her children unconditionally, and who she was will live on in them and their own children. 

Judy’s greatest joy was spending time with her family. She was an encourager and loved to support her children and grandchildren in all their activities. Her grandchildren would describe her as a faithful confidant who they could call at any moment to share in their most joyful days or to advise them in the right direction. She had a wonderful laugh which was exercised often. There were many days over the years, that her family spent sitting around her living room laughing over shared experiences and childhood stories. Judy dearly loved her sister, Sherry, who was her best friend. Judy and Sherry have a bond like no other. They spent many a day talking on the phone, traveling, shopping until they dropped, and to put it simply, doing life together. They had a friendship that was built on the Lord, encouragement, and deep affection for one another. 

Judy loved Jesus and was actively involved in her church. Her church was very dear to her, as were all her friends. If you were friends with Judy, you knew she would always be there for you and make you laugh. If you knew her, you also knew how much she loved playing bridge and being a part of Newcomers and Neighbors’ activities. 

All in all, Judy’s legacy will live on in the love of her family and her friends. 

Judy was preceded in death by her parents, Richmon and Charlene Spraberry.

Those left to cherish her memory include sister Sherry Workman and husband David; brother Gary Spraberry; daughter Kristi Jeter and husband Shane; son Brian Denman and wife Melissa; grandchildren Samantha Shepard (Auborn), John Jeter, Brian Scott Denman, and Madeleine Denman; nephew, Craig Workman (Becky) and niece, Stacy Johnston (Tony); along with other relatives and many special friends.