By PHOEBE DONALD ROBINSON / Community Columnist

Judy Quick recently achieved a spiritual milestone and has begun a new “season” in her deep faith. With the laying of hands by The Right Reverend Henry N. Parsley Jr. and The Right Reverend John McKee Sloan, Bishop and Bishop Suffragan of the Episcopal Diocese of Alabama, The Reverend Deacon Judy Goins Quick was ordained a Deacon in the Episcopal Church. Judy is married to Gene Quick of Columbiana, and they live in Shelby Shores on Lay Lake. She is a member of St. Andrew’s Episcopal Church, Montevallo. She is an amazingly accomplished woman, but not one to toot her horn. Her quiet, thoughtful manner, incredible intellect, stellar leadership and organizational abilities have led her to achieve much in her life.

As a scholar, Quick earned a bachelor’s degree with honors in French from the University of Florida in 1972; a master’s in French from the University of Florida in 1973; a master’s in international business from Georgia State University in 1993; an MBA in study abroad in the United Kingdom; studied international studies at the University of Geneva, Switzerland; and is an education for ministry graduate of the University of the South. She is fluent in French and Spanish. Her professional resume is incredible. Among her many, many accomplishments are: retired Bell South executive; program director for the Atlanta Olympic games; instructor at Georgia State University specializing in international business; author, teacher and lecturer on women entrepreneurship in foreign nations as Azerbaijan, the Republic of Georgia, Congo, Egypt, France and China.

Quick was awarded the Certificate of Merit in Technology from the International Olympic Committee for her work with the Atlanta Olympics. She is a founding board member of the Shelby County Arts Council and is past president of the Columbiana Culture Club.

Quick has a compassionate and caring heart. In the last few years, Quick has become very involved in mission work. She is the Diocesan coordinator of Episcopal Relief, chairs the Department of Mission and Outreach, co-chairs the Tornado Response and is a board member of the Global Episcopal Mission Network and the Haiti Commission.

In her spiritual autobiography, which chronicled her spiritual journey from small child to adult, Quick wrote her personal mission statement during her studies toward her ordination.

“After quiet reflection, I realized that I was called to live a life of learning, to share wisdom and knowledge with others and to bring those of differing worldviews and cultures together on common ground,” wrote Quick. “This epiphany has truly guided my life’s work for over a decade. So I was chosen. I am chosen. And I am ever grateful for that gift. My hope is to continue to grow in the knowledge and love of God and to share that love as I travel this life. I want to pass it on.”

Congratulations to The Rev. Deacon Judy Quick as you begin this next season in your life serving God.

 

Phoebe Donald Robinson can be reached by email at phoeberobinson@bellsouth.net.