Judy Burris

Judy Burris, of Pekin, Indiana, passed away on August 24, 2026, at the age of 74.

Born January 4, 1952, Judy was the daughter of Elbert “Nick” and Beulah Root. She was born in Seymour, Indiana, and attended school in Salem, Indiana.

Judy was, quite simply, a good human. She worked hard, loved fiercely, and believed family was one of life’s greatest blessings.

She knew the meaning of a hard day’s work. During her years at Amaray in Pekin, Indiana, Judy was a dedicated and dependable worker. She later worked at Green Banner Publications until it closed its doors. But the way Judy showed up for people mattered far more than where she worked.

If someone needed a hand, Judy was willing to lend one. If someone needed somewhere to stay, she could make room. And if you messed with somebody she loved, Judy was just as willing to give you a piece of her mind. She loved her people fiercely, and there was never much question about where you stood when it came to Judy.

Her greatest gift was being the mother of John Burris Jr., Greg Burris, Trevor Burris, and Tonya Marshall (Seth). Being a mother and watching the generations that followed was at the heart of Judy’s life.

Her grandchildren, whom she adored, are Trevor Gilstrap (Autumn), Rebecca Gray (Thomas), Gregory Burris, Elisabeth Burris, Alexander Burris, and Myles Marshall.

Then came another generation for Judy to love. Her great-grandchildren, Harmony, Rosa, and Eustace, were incredibly special to her and brought her great joy.

Family wasn’t limited to her children and grandchildren. Judy’s best friends were her large family, including her brothers and sisters: Marie Henry, Brenda Root, Mike Root, Roger Root, Jerry Root, Karen Lashbrooks, Phyllis Lackey, and Phillip Haney. Her nieces and nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, and cousins were also very special to her. To Judy, family was something you showed up for.

Judy also shared many years of her life with her love, Tom Dudley, whom she lost before her.

When life was quiet, Judy loved to read and could happily lose herself in a good book. She also loved her cat, Missy, who was a special companion and brought her comfort and company.

She was preceded in death by her sons, John Burris Jr. and Trevor Burris; her parents, Elbert “Nick” and Beulah Root; her brother Jerry Root; her sister Karen Lashbrooks; and her longtime love, Tom Dudley.

Judy believed that Jesus Christ is our Lord and Savior. Her life wasn't one that needed to be dressed up with fancy words. It was a life of working hard, helping people, loving her family, and being there when someone needed her.

Near the end of her life, Judy summed up what mattered to her better than anyone else could. She had watched her children grow up, helped with her grandchildren, and lived long enough to meet and love her great-grandchildren. Looking back on all of it, Judy simply said:

“What more could a person want?”

In keeping with Judy’s wishes, she chose cremation. Her cremains will be joined with those of her son John and placed among the roots of a tree — becoming part of something living, growing, and lasting. For a woman whose life was rooted so deeply in family, perhaps there could be no more fitting place to rest.

A celebration of Judy’s life will be announced at a later date.