Judith Elaine Colvin

Judith Elaine Colvin passed away Wednesday, April 17, 2019 from complications of Parkinson’s disease surrounded by loving family members at Fair Haven Nursing Home in Irondale.

Judy was born Jan. 23, 1943 in Archbold, Ohio to Alfred and Bernadine (nee Hefflinger) Zimmerman. She was an early academic achiever and began first grade at age five. It was a rural one-room school for grades one through six. Once done with her own assignments, she would listen to other instructions from the teacher and she learned quickly.

Judy was an all A student and graduated from Archbold High School in 1960. She had scored high in the language portion of the National Merit Scholarship and was awarded an academic scholarship to Concordia Lutheran College, Missouri.

She was an avid reader and enjoyed writing, drawing, painting and needlework of all types. Judy found or created beauty in all that surrounded her.

Judy is survived by her husband of 49 years, Alan S. Colvin; daughter, Michelle (Chris) Colvin Holland; son, Jeffrey (Evan) S. Colvin; and grandchildren, Jacob Holland, Joshua Holland, Jordan Holland, Dolan Colvin and Cassidy Colvin. Also surviving are numerous nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents; brothers, John and Richard Zimmerman; and sisters, Lois (Vernon) Schroeder and Lucille (Dale) Grime.

Judy was employed as a copy editor at Women’s Missionary Union (WMU) in Birmingham. She loved her duties and colleagues. She soon became the “Go To” person in matters of editorial style and grammar. She also made decorative cross-stitch designs for her magazine covers.

Judy was an early onset victim of Parkinson’s disease. She was diagnosed in the mid 1980’s and dealt with the advancing symptoms the rest of her life. However, she never complained to others about her situation and was primarily concerned with her family, her job, and her quickly growing grandchildren.

Judy retired in 2000 and battled the remainder of her life against the pain and further encroachment of Parkinson’s. Through it all she flashed that fantastic grin and made wisecracks about everything. And by the way, her Scrabble won and lost record will not be surpassed any time soon!!

Judy elected to participate in Parkinson’s research and her wishes were fulfilled. In addition, the family requests donations be made in her name to the Michael J. Fox Research Foundation for Parkinson’s disease.