Judy Lee Brackin Hereford Martin, born May 25, 1943 to Willie Lee and Byron Brackin, in York Alabama, was called home to her Lord Jesus Christ, March 11, 2025. She was preceded in death by her parents; her first husband, Roy Hereford, Jr; and her second husband John L. Martin. She is survived by her brothers Barry Brackin (Macky) and Buddy Brackin (Donna); her children— Leanne Peacock (Rob), Trey Hereford, Rachel Griffith (John), and Samantha Hereford; her stepchildren—Pam, John (Alma) and Lamar Martin; her grandchildren—Derek Hereford (Samantha), William Peacock, Nichole Peacock, Anna Weimorts, and Meredith Weimorts; and her great grandchildren— Chloe Ferrin-Peacock, Beckham Bergeron-Hereford and Brooks Hereford.
She spent most of the first 50 years of her life in Faunsdale, AL. She graduated from Marengo County High School in Thomaston, AL in 1960. In 1964, she graduated from Judson College. It was at her beloved Judson that she met the two women who would be her dearest friends and sisters for the rest of her life, Glenda Rumsey and Ann Tysinger.
“Place” was a very important concept in the life of Judy Martin. Her home, whether in Faunsdale, Tuscaloosa, AL,or Marion, AL, was always a warm welcoming place for friends and family to gather. Wherever she lived she was always very involved in her community. While in Marengo County, besides being involved in her husband’s businesses and her children’s school, she contributed her extraordinary gifts to many organizations including: the Farmers Federation board, the Red Cross, the Marengo County Cowbells, and the governor’s “Year of the Child” commission. After Roy died, she went to work at Judson College, another of her special “places.” She worked in various capacities at the college including as the Director of Alumni Affairs, Director of Admissions, Vice President of Development and Assistant to the President. She also served as President of the Alumni Association and was recognized as a Distinguished Alum.
She was also very proud of her Black Belt roots and very knowledgeable about the history and culture of the area. She was a great advocate for local artists and artisans and served this group, enthusiastically celebrating them through her association with the Rural Heritage Center in Thomaston and Black Belt Treasures Cultural Arts Center in Camden.
And then there was Marion. When she and John moved to Marion and restored their beautiful home on Clay Street, the town of Marion, Judson College and Marion Military Institute would all benefit. They worked tirelessly with several organizations including The Chamber of Commerce, Sowing Seeds of Hope, Renaissance Marion, UA Honors College, and Teach for America on coordinating service projects that would improve the viability of the town and the surrounding area.
Finally, her faith was very important to her as were her chosen places of worship. She grew up attending both the Methodist and Presbyterian Churches in Faunsdale, as did all the Presbyterians and Methodists in the community, but she was a lifelong Methodist and was active in the Faunsdale Methodist Church until it closed its doors. After moving to Marion she joined the Marion Methodist Church, a place she and John loved.
And now she goes to her next and most special place to be with her Lord and Savior and to join those she has loved who have gone before.
A Memorial Service for Judy Martin was held on Monday, March 17, 2025 at Marion Methodist Church with visitation at 10:00 am, and a Celebration of Life at 11:00 am with the Rev Len Hurston officiating and Kirk Funeral Homes, Marion Chapel directing. In lieu of flowers, memorials to Marion Methodist Church or PEO International are much appreciated.
