Judith Kay Meyer Smith, age 85, of Chelsea, MI, passed away on December 9, 2023 at her home. Judy was born on August 16, 1938 in Ferndale, MI to Edward and Julia (Sampson) Meyer. She married Don Eugene Phillip Smith on May 25, 1963 in Ann Arbor, MI, and they moved to the Chelsea area in 1970 where they raised their four children.

After earning a PhD in Education from the University of Michigan, Judy served as the Director of Special Education for the Ingham County Intermediate School District. Her passions included gardening, shopping, and teaching children how to read.  Her friends remember her as a warm and generous presence who always kept an open house and an open heart.

Judy is survived by her children, Julia (Jason Larke) Smith of Saline, Zachary (Barbie) Smith of Virginia, Kimberly Smith of Chelsea, and Joshua (Deanna) Smith of Massachusetts; six grandchildren; and two siblings, John (Ginny) Meyer of Pontiac, and Carol (John) Hill of Indiana. She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband, a sister, Susan Meyer, and a brother, Edward Meyer.

A Celebration of Life will be held at a later date. Memorial contributions may be made to the Reading Recovery Council of North America. Arrangements by Staffan-Mitchell Funeral Home, Chelsea.