Judy Abrams

Judy Dudley Abrams, beloved child of God, was received into the presence of heaven on Friday, December 13, 2025. She and her family were residents of Decatur/Stone Mountain for the past 53 years. Judy was born March 1, 1941, in Opelika, Alabama to her parents: Charles Glenn Dudley and Emma Wooddy Dudley. She grew up in the most idyllic setting of extended family and close small-town living. She attended Northside School and graduated from Opelika High School, Class of 1959. She earned a degree in Education from Auburn University, where she also met her future husband, Aubray. Their lives together were shaped by his pilot service in the U.S. Air Force as well as with Delta Air Lines.

Judy was an encourager and a collector of friends. Childhood friends from Opelika remained steadfast relationships of her life, as well as those she collected living in Texas, Kansas, New Hampshire, North Carolina, Florida and Georgia. She was noted for remembering birthdays among 31 Dudley first cousins and numerous friends. She stayed in touch and she showed up in times of need.

Judy was among the first women in the Baptist community of Atlanta to be elected a deacon at First Baptist Church of Decatur. She and Aubray served faithfully for many years in the church they loved. For several years this included teaching a large class of young married couples. The loving bonds formed continued as they served as mentors for years into the future. Later Judy joined the Verdery Sunday School Class and many of her closest lifelong friendships developed with this group.

Home was important to Judy, and she filled it with beauty and welcoming comfort. Her gift of gardening was recognized by visitors and the neighborhood alike. She enjoyed and developed close friendships as a member of The Smoke Rise Morning Glories Garden Club.

Judy's family included her parents and husband, who predeceased her. Beloved family includes two children: Charles Abrams (Susan) of Kennesaw and Catherine Abrams of Decatur, five grandchildren: Amanda Abrams Caldwell (Zachary), Beth Abrams, Christopher Choi, David Choi, and Hannah Choi, two great-grandchildren: Aubrey Caldwell and William Caldwell and one brother, Dr. William Dudley as well as numerous Dudley and Wooddy cousins.

A Service of the Celebration of Life will be held on Friday, December 19th in the Chapel of Decatur First Baptist Church at 1:00 PM with Reverend Mark Green, Dr. David Jordan, and Dr. William Dudley officiating. A burial service will be held in January in Opelika, AL in the family cemetery.

Memorial gifts in her memory may be made to First Baptist Church of Decatur, Georgia.