JoNelda Stewart Judkins, age 94, passed away at her residence in Smithville Wednesday, December 11, 2024. 

Ms. Judkins was a homemaker. JoNelda Stewart Judkins was a blessing and gift to everyone fortunate enough to know and love her.  Her genuine loving care inspired us all with her words and actions.  She was an exceptional cook, talented seamstress, quilter, and homemaker and had a natural gift for hospitality that touched our hearts.  Her patience and nurturing spirit were a guiding light to us all, and her calm, gentle and forgiving nature inspired us to be better versions of ourselves.  She was a shining example of a Proverbs 31 woman.  Her legacy of love will continue to inspire us and be a beacon of hope for generations to come. 

She was born February 11, 1930, to her parents the late James Fowler and Zona Lee Randolph Stewart.  In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Hobert O. Judkins, Sr.; siblings, Joyce Mauro, Sue Curry, and Jimmie Webb. 

She is survived by six children, Hobert O. (Rebecca) Judkins, Jr. of Smithville, Shelby (Barbara) Judkins of Rock Island, Dave (Chris) Judkins, Sr. of Smithville, Michael (Virginia) Judkins, Sr. of Sparta, Danny Judkins of Dallas, TX, and Colleen (Tony) Hernandez of Smithville; 19 grandchildren; 44 great-grandchildren; 16 great-great-grandchildren; sister, Judy Stewart of Cookeville. 

Funeral service was held Monday December 16, 2024, at DeKalb Funeral Chapel with Bro. Bernard Houk officiating and burial followed in Jaco-Judkins Cemetery. 

Pallbearers were Danny Judkins, Joel Judkins, Dave Judkins, Sr., Michael Judkins, Jr., Anthony Hernandez, Steven Davidson, Jr., Jackson Herron, and Zack Hunt.

DeKalb Funeral Chapel, Smithville, was in charge of the arrangements.