Mrs. Judith "Judy" Ryan's Obituary
Born February 28, 1940, St. Louis, MO to the late J.W. and Edith (Mouser) Fisher, she passed from this life on June 16, 2023. Preceded in death by sons Kevin Michael Ryan and James Louis Ryan Jr. She married Dr. James Louis Ryan, Little Rock, Arkansas, on May 31, 1960. Survived by son, Chaplain (Colonel) Jeffrey Fisher Ryan (Danae), grandchildren Tara Brook Ryan and Autumn Nicole Ryan of Freeport, FL.
She is a graduate of Afton High School, St. Louis, MO, graduating in 1958. She attended Ouachita Baptist University and was active in the Mission Service Club, Student Government, Baptist Student Union, English Honor Society (Sigma Tau Delta), and wrote poetry for the student publication Ripples. She was a student assistant to Dr. R.C. Daily in the O.B.U. History Department. After getting married, she transferred to Texas Wesleyan University where she received her B.S. in Education in 1962. Later, she received a Master’s in Education from the University of Louisville and was a graduate fellow in the School of Education. She also completed an Educational Specialist Degree (Ed.S.) from Tennessee Technological University and took theological courses at both Southwestern Baptist Theological Seminary and Southern Baptist Theological Seminary.
Judy taught reading and math courses for more than 30 years in Texas, Arkansas, Alabama, and Tennessee public schools as well as evening (GED) reading courses for adults. She was the recipient of Master Teacher, was a member of the American Association of University Women, and Life member of the National Education Association and the Tennessee Retired Teachers Association.
Judy was a voracious reader of biographies, mysteries, fiction, and self-help books, subscribing for many years to various periodicals, newspapers, and magazines. She was a long-time doctrinal reader for Lifeway Christian Resources publications, writing numerous articles for daily Bible reading series.
Judy was a Sunday School teacher for 50 years, working in all areas of local church ministry and missions; active in Baptist Associational ministries, serving on the Tennessee Baptist bi-vocational pastors and wives council, and taught courses at Ridgecrest and Glorietta conference centers.
She and her husband enjoyed traveling to all 50 states, Canada, Europe, Asia, Africa and the Caribbean. Together they shared a rich social and spiritual life, ministering in churches together for over 60 years. She was a woman of grace, humor, and Christian commitment. Judy always remained faithful to her Creator and approached life as a servant to her family, friends, and community. Her sweet spirit and dedication to her Savior will be missed by all who knew her.
Funeral services will be held at Madison Creek Baptist Church on June 25, 2023. Visitation will be from 1:30 p.m. to 3:00 p.m. Service to begin at 3:00 p.m. followed by burial at Beech Cumberland Presbyterian Church Cemetery.
If considering a memorial gift, the family would appreciate a gift to the Gideons, 50 Century Blvd., Nashville, TN or a charity that brings you joy.
Spring Hill Funeral Home & Cemetery has been entrusted with the final care of Mrs. Ryan. 5110 Gallatin Pike South, Nashville, Tennessee 37216. (615) 865-1101. "Where Nashville Comes to Remember."
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