Judy Rae Walker Gardiner

Judy Rae Walker Gardiner, age 74, of Fairhope, Alabama, passed away on Friday, January 15, 2021 surrounded by her children. Judy is preceded in death by her husband, Joe Gardiner and two brothers. She is survived by one son, Jody Walker (Lisa DeMouy) of Fairhope, Alabama and one daughter, Stephanie Winkler-Raymond (David) of Antioch, Illinois; a sister, Janie (Jeff) Hubbard of Tuscaloosa, Alabama; Six grandchildren, Christopher (Lindsay) Walker, Rylee Walker, Jacob (Emily) Walker; Taylor (Emily) Winkler, Chase Winkler, and Walker Winkler; great grandchildren Nolan Walker and Baby Walker (due in July); many nieces and nephews. Judy was born March 4, 1946 in Birmingham, Alabama to John and Elvie (Epperson) Daniel. She was very active in the Fairhope community. Long time active member of the American Legion Post 199 Women's Auxiliary and Fairhope Elks Lodge #1879; Member of Mystic Order of Persephone. Judy, always a passionate fan of the Alabama Crimson Tide could be heard for miles yelling, “I love defense!” We almost always had a family group chat during the games. When Alabama wasn’t playing well, we would tease her about how she needed get back out on the field and fire up her defense. She worked her way up through the ranks at South Central Bell where she started as a telephone operator at the age of 18. One of her dreams was to go back to school and get her degree. She attended Troy University while being a single mom and working full-time at South Central Bell. She did graduate with a degree in Business. She retired from South Central Bell at a young age and went on to help develop and consult for several communication/fiber optic companies. She retired for the final time from Southern Light (now Uniti), a fiber optic infrastructure company. Judy was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, and the best G.G. to her G.G. (Great Grandmother to her “Great Grand”). She loved being a “Hoe” for The Magnolia Beach Garden Club (not sure how much gardening they actually did!). Her friends quickly became an extension of her family. She never met a stranger. Even if she didn’t agree or care for the person, she always met them with open arms. She had a way of spanking your behind all while telling you she loved you. Many times, she could be heard telling people, “This too shall pass!” It would infuriate some when she said it, but deep down we laughed because we knew she was right. The family of Judy Gardiner wishes to extend their sincere thanks to the staff at Thomas Hospital especially her many nurses and caretakers (Kristen, Linda, and Stephanie Lynn to name a few) and Wendy, her Nurse Practitioner. Celebration of Judy's life will be held Saturday, March 27, 2021 at 4:00pm on the beach of American Legion Post 199, 700 S. Mobile Street, Fairhope, Alabama. Memorials may be provided to the American Legion Post 199 in Fairhope, Alabama or Elks Lodge #1879 in Fairhope, Alabama. ARRANGEMENTS BY WOLFE-BAYVIEW FUNERAL HOMES & CREMATORY, INC. 19698 GREENO RD. FAIRHOPE, AL 3632 251-990-7775 www.wolfefuneralhomes.com