Julia "Judy" Blanch Smith

Julia Blanch Smith, affectionately known as Judy, passed away peacefully on September 7, 2026, in Alpharetta, Georgia. Born on December 21, 1947, in Newnan, Georgia, Judy was raised in the Rico community surrounded by numerous family members and cousins. Judy graced this world with her kindness, creativity, and unwavering dedication for 78 years. Judy attended Rico Elementary and Campbell High School. She graduated from LaGrange College with a B.A. in elementary education, Emory University with a Master of Librarianship and the University of Georgia with an Education Specialist degree. She devoted 32 years to the Fulton County Department of Education, where her passion for learning and literature touched countless young lives. Her schools she served during these 32 years included Harris Street, North Roswell, Hopewell, Newtown, Dolvin and Northwood elementary schools. Her exceptional commitment was recognized with honors such as the Media Specialist of the Year award and the prestigious Shelton Root Award. She traveled to Poland and Russia with a group of librarians for several weeks to visit different schools and programs. Judy's zest for life was evident in her love for travel and exploration. She journeyed across 49 states, explored Europe thrice, and embarked on numerous cruises to the Caribbean. Despite her extensive travels, Hawaii remained the one state she never visited. Judy was deeply interested in genealogy, having known several ancestors and hearing stories about others. During her many travels, she would stop at various libraries and county courthouses for information to add to her family tree. She visited places in England and Scotland where ancestors had come from. She used this information to write books on four branches of her family, which she distributed at family reunions. A woman of many talents, Judy found joy in various crafts, including crocheting, macrame, rug hooking, ceramics, landscape painting, tole painting, calligraphy, and cake decorating. She delighted in the intellectual challenges posed by crossword puzzles, jigsaw puzzles, and Chinese checkers. A passionate collector, her cherished doll collection grew to an impressive 4,000 plus items, encompassing dolls and intricate doll furniture. Judy loved Bridge, playing for pleasure and professionally. She earned the Life Master Certificate in bridge and traveled to several state conventions. Judy was a lifelong member of the Methodist faith, attending Providence Baptist Church as a child before joining Rico United Methodist Church in her later years. She was a proud sister of the Alpha Phi Beta sorority at Lagrange College, where she forged lasting friendships. Judy is preceded in death by her beloved parents, James Robert "Bob" and Mary Anderson Smith, as well as her cherished sister, Barbara Ruth "Bobbie" Smith Edge. She leaves behind her loving brother, James Robert "Jim" and (Beth) Smith, and brother-in-law, Owen Edge. She is fondly remembered by her dear friend, Todd Covington, her best friend and roommate, Cathy Powers, and many devoted nieces and nephews. Judy's spirit and legacy live on in the hearts of her family, friends, and all those whose lives she touched with her boundless generosity, wisdom, and love. She will be dearly missed and forever remembered.

Julia "Judy" Blanch Smith

December 21, 1947 - September 7, 2026