Judith K. Dillow

Judith Kay Dillow, 74, a lifelong resident of McClure, died on Aug. 7, 2020. 

She was born in Cape Girardeau, the daughter of Samuel Dallas and Selma Lee Woodard, on Aug. 13, 1945.

She was a graduate of Shawnee High School in Wolf Lake and Southeast Missouri State University, where she earned a bachelor of science degree in elementary education. 

She was an adored teacher at McClure Elementary School for 35 years when she retired in 2009. She spent many evenings surrounded by students, parents, family and friends on her front porch.  

Judy’s purpose in life was to love, care for, and educate. She fulfilled her purpose each day of her life through her love and support for her children, nieces, nephews and the many lives she changed for the better during her years as an educator.

She married Jerry Myers of Wolf Lake in 1963.  She was preceded in death by her second husband, Dale Dillow, and by her brother, Sammy Woodard.  

Survivors include a daughter, Lana Myers Fite; a son-in-law, Douglas Fite; grandchildren Abigail and Benjamin Fite of Chesterfield, Mo.; a sister, Sherry Myers; a brother-in-law, Sam Myers; and sister-in-law, Joy Dee Woodard, of Grand Tower. She is also survived by many nieces, nephews and cousins, whom she was very proud of and loved deeply.

God and her family were her greatest joys. She was a tower of strength and generous with helping others. Her unconditional love, kindness and profound wisdom will forever be her greatest legacy to her family and to all who knew her.

Funeral services were at 1 p.m. Tuesday, Aug. 11, at Ford & Sons Mt. Auburn Funeral Home, with the Rev. Bobby Smithey officiating. 

Burial followed in Lindsey Cemetery at McClure. 

Memorials can be made to Lindsey Cemetery Association. 

To send flowers or a memorial gift to the family of Judy Dillow, visit www.fordandsonsfuneralhome.com.v