Judith Mead

Judith Mead, born Judith Ann Daniels, died peacefully at her daughter's home in Hendersonville, TN, on October 15 from complications of Parkinson's disease.

Judy was born on June 23, 1934, in Richmond, (Staten Island), NY, to Raymond Edward Daniels (1906-1982) and Irene Ida Belden (1908-1958). She married her lifelong sweetheart, Carl Danecke Mead (1930-2016), on February 23, 1952, in Staten Island, NY. The couple lived in NJ, NY, NC, and FL. They had four children, eight grandchildren, a step-granddaughter, and 12 great-grandchildren.

Judy graduated from Tottenville High School, Staten Island, NY, in 1951, and from Wake Technical College, Raleigh, NC, in 1967 with a degree in nursing. She worked for Doctors Page, Willett, and Merwarth for over 10 years and was awarded the Volunteer of the Year in 1978 by the NC Lung Association during that time. She then worked with her late husband, Carl, at their boat sales and service company, Wheels and Keels, until 1995. In her retirement Judy volunteered at McDowell County Hospital, the McDowell County Chamber of Commerce, and her church. She also knit countless hats for cancer patients and infants. Judy and Carl shared their love of camping, hiking, boating, swimming, skiing and all things outdoor. They met at a square dance and continued to enjoy all kinds of dancing, music, and theatre throughout their 64-year marriage. Judy's faith was always a deep source of strength and joy for her, which helped lead her husband to God.

Judy is survived by her 4 grateful children and their spouses, and 9 grandchildren: Glenn (wife Kay, daughter Kimberly, and son-in-law Trevor Ragan), Dale (husband Ben Lawrence, son Bert Kyle, daughter-in-law Janice, daughter Beverly, son-in-law John Hyde, son Stuart Kyle, daughter-in-law Krista, stepdaughter Cindy, and son-in-law Jack Tyler), Debbie (husband Tommy Warden, son Ryan, daughter-in-law Collette, son Justin, and daughter-in-law Eliza), and Drew (wife Susan, son Andrew, daughter-in-law Heather, daughter Sara, son-in-law Nick Chicarello, and daughter Molly). In addition, she leaves behind 12 great-grandchildren: Sophia and Liliana Kyle; Charlie and Ellie Hyde; Lexy, Tyler, Anna, and Jake Kyle; Hunter and Emma Chicarello; David Warden; and Charle Mead. She is also survived by her cousins: Ethel Bench, Mildred Apgar, and George Decker.

Judy is predeceased by her mother Irene, father Raymond, brother Ray, beloved husband Carl, nephew Ray Daniels III, sister-in-law and friend Shirley Rettie Daniels, Aunt Mildred Decker, and Uncle Dewey Decker.

Judy was cremated by Hendersonville Funeral Home and her ashes will be spread with those of her precious late husband, Carl, by her family near their favorite hiking destination in NC's Smoky Mountains.