Judith Elaine Early George

Judith Elaine Early George (November 28, 1936 – December 20, 2025) lived a life marked by faith, family, and friendship. Born in Chickasha, Oklahoma to wonderful parents, James L. Early and Pauline A. Early, who guided her formative years until her marriage in 1958 to Dr John D. George, Jr. (LTC, Ret) with whom she shared life for 60 years (including 26 moves across the country and abroad). A devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, Judy cherished her family and a wide circle of lifelong friends.

Following her attendance at Monticello Junior College, Judy graduated from the University of Oklahoma as a Physical Education major and committed member of the Pi Beta Phi sorority. Afterwards, she found her greatest purpose through trusting in Jesus and following Him; from this foundational hope, Judy poured her energy into ministry, hospitality, and service throughout her years as an Army wife and beyond. She became involved in chapel and campus ministries, officers’ wives organizations, and church life, particularly through teaching and mentoring women and young people. As an accomplished and enthusiastic tennis player, she also spent many of her years teaching tennis, and later embraced pickleball. At home, she enjoyed a lifelong love of gardening, reading, home design, wildly rooting for various sports teams, and hosting friends and family at every occasion.

After military service and years at West Point with Officers’ Christian Fellowship, Judy and John settled in Lynchburg, Virginia, where they became integral members of Rivermont Evangelical Presbyterian Church and the Liberty University community. In her years at Westminster-Canterbury, Judy continued to build friendships, serve others, and live out her faith with joy and gratitude. Her life reflected a deep love for the Lord and a remarkable gift for loving others well!

She was the proud and thankful mother of Jeff George and Jenna Whitt (David); the doting grandmother of Kaitlin Nygren (Erik), Gabrielle Whitt, Jonathan Whitt (Tori), Levi George (Molly), Micah George, and Noa Wouda (Marten); and the amazed great-Grammy of ten precious great-grands. She is also survived by her beloved sister, Dr. Ames Curtis, and dear sister-in-law, Sharon Diebel.

She was so loved and will truly be missed by all who knew her.

A memorial service will be held at Rivermont Evangelical Presbyterian Church on Saturday, January 17, 2026, at 2:00 p.m. In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to Rivermont EPC (Missions Fund), 2424 Rivermont Ave, Lynchburg, VA 24503, or to Westminster-Canterbury Foundation (All Purpose Recreation and Fitness Center or Fellowship Fund), 501 V.E.S. Rd, Lynchburg, VA 24503.

Tharp Funeral Home, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.