Judith "Judy" Kay Smith, 79, of Independence, MO, passed away on Saturday, April 1, 2023 at her home in Independence. Funeral services were held  Saturday, April 8, 2023 at the Atkinson Funeral Home in Harrisonville, MO.  Burial in Crescent Hill Cemetery, Adrian, MO. Contributions may be made to the American Cancer Society or Beacon of Hope Hospice.

Judy was born June 25, 1943 in Kansas City, MO, a daughter of Ora King and Opal Lucille (Burris) Tabor. She spent her early years in Kansas City, MO and was a 1961 graduate of Paseo High School in Kansas City. She married Cloine Smith in February, 1961 and spent the next 62 years in Independence.

Judy worked for Kent Electronics in Lenexa, KS for 22 years, retiring in 1991. After retiring from fulltime, she worked part-time for Ross Dress for Less in Independence as an organizer. Her family affectionately called her Mamaw and she was an advocate for special needs students in the Independence schools and was active in the Special Olympics.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents and two sisters, Jonell Francis and Jackie Holmes. She is survived by her daughter, Teresa Smith (Kent Schall), Lee's Summit, MO; her son, Kevin Smith, Independence, MO; three grandchildren: Luke Frampton, Grant Frampton, both of Independence, MO; and Paige Frampton, Lee's Summit, MO; her niece, Kathy Pietoso (Josef Scherer), St. Louis, MO; nephews: Mike Francis (Karlynn), Raytown, MO; Keith Holmes (Jan), Atlanta, GA; Geary Francis, Clinton, MO; and Shawn Francis (Lesa), Atlanta, GA; great-nieces and nephews; and great-great-nieces and nephews; her former husband, Cloine Smith, Warrensburg, MO; and many other relatives and friends.