She was born July 27, 1943, in Pine Bluff, Ark., to Joseph Dean and M. Louise Canada, but spent the majority of her childhood growing up in Paola, where she graduated from high school in 1961.
She later moved to Fort Scott, and was married to Michael Buffington, where she was a homemaker raising their three daughters. They later divorced, and Judy began a career as a dental assistant.
Judy married Paul Jolley in April 1982, and they made their home in Paola. She was a dispatcher for the Miami County Sherriff’s office and Victim-Witness Coordinator, and later returned to dental assistance when the family moved to Olathe. They finally moved to Mound City, where Judy had retired and was living the lake life.
She was an avid traveler and doting grandmother.
She is survived by her husband, Paul of the home; one sister Debra Fox, of Charlotte, N.C.; and her mother, Louise Brown of Olathe. She is also survived by her daughters and their families, Jodi Lay-Calvert and son-in-law Rick Calvert, grandson Alex, and a granddaughter Andi, of Charlotte, N.C.; daughter Holly Buffington of Charlotte; and daughter Julie LaCombe and son-in-law Tom, a grandson Ryan, and a granddaughter Chloe of Abilene.
She is preceded in death by her brother, Tony; stepfather Melvin Brown; father, Joe Dean; son-in-law, Brett Lay; and first husband, Mike.
Judy’s Celebration of Life service will take place at 2 p.m. Saturday, March 5, at the Holiday Inn, 101 West 151st Street in Olathe. Julie LaCombe is coordinating the arrangements.
Her family expresses their thanks to Matthews Hematology Oncology of Matthews, N.C., as well as Hospice and Palliative Care – Charlotte Region of Charlotte, N.C., for their kindness and care.
In lieu of flowers, Judy’s wishes were to offer donations paid to the American Cancer Society. Donations can be sent in her name to Relay for Life, c/o Debb Homman, 1003 N Brady, Abilene, KS 67410, or brought to the services.
This obituary was written and paid for by the family of Judith Jolley.