PORTSMOUTH — Judith Ann Duncan Young was born in Portsmouth May 30, 1945, the daughter of Paul Harkless Duncan and Maxine Brown Duncan. Her earthly journey came to its close on May 17, 2010.
Judy attended New Boston schools graduating from Glenwood High School in 1963 as Co-valedictorian. She graduated from Ohio University in Athens, Ohio in 1967 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Education. She graduated Summa Cum Laude and ranked 11th in her class in terms of grade point average.
Judy was a proud representative of Portsmouth and Southern Ohio. She was twice chosen Miss Portsmouth and Miss Ohio University in 1967. She was chosen first runner-up in the Miss Ohio Pageant and subsequently was named Miss National Sweetheart.
On June 15, 1968 she joined her husband, Wayne, in marriage at the New Boston United Methodist Church.
Judy was a devoted teacher. She taught in the elementary schools in the Columbus city schools and when they moved to North Carolina she taught for the Warren County public schools, the Warren Academy, and the Durham Public schools at Parkwood Elementary. Her teaching skills endeared her to her colleagues and the administrations for which she taught, but her most appreciated awards were the hugs she received from the children whom she taught and loved.
Upon the Youngs return to Ohio, she became office manager for her husband’s medical practice in Portsmouth and Wheelersburg. At his retirement from the practice of medicine she returned with him to the church and filled her role as pastor’s wife with love and charm.
Judy was co-founder of the Scioto County Festival Choir and for many years sang with the Chancel Choir of Wesley United Methodist Church. While a member there she also participated in directing the children’s music program for some time. She has served as able for the past several years with her husband at First United Methodist Church in Ironton.
Judy is survived by her husband, Dr. Wayne E. Young of Wheelersburg; their daughter, Kristin Young and grandson, Mackenzie Dyer of Knoxville, Tennessee; and their son, Dr. Wayne M. Young of Waverly. Also surviving are her brothers, Dr. Paul William (Roberta) Duncan of Portsmouth, and Dr. James H. Duncan of West Portsmouth; and her sister, Kaye (Joseph) Brzuszek of Monroeville, Pennsylvania; and several nieces and nephews. She is also survived by two aunts, Amanda Duncan Helm of Portsmouth and Hazel Duncan Townsend of Dayton.
Funeral services will be 11 a.m. Friday at F.C. Daehler Mortuary Company in Portsmouth. Interment will be in Memorial Burial Park. Visitation will be 1-3 p.m. and 5-8 p.m. Thursday at Daehlers. In lieu of flowers, memorial gifts may be given to First United Methodist Church, 101 N. Fifth Street, Ironton, Ohio 45638.