Judy Layman

Judy Marie Phillips Layman went to join our Lord in Heaven on April 29, 2024, after a long, courageous battle with cancer. We believe she is dancing and rejoicing in Heaven with Jesus. Judy was born in the rural Cedar Bluff community in Sevier County, Tennessee, on September 14, 1949, to Verner Elmer and Ruby Fox Phillips. Judy was a hard worker her entire life. When she was a young child, she helped her brothers, Don and Larry, on the family farm, working endlessly in the hay and tobacco fields. When she was 15, her mother went to work at Cas Walker’s, and Judy was tasked with cooking, cleaning, and caring for her younger siblings. Her younger brother Bruce and younger sister Grace called her “mama”. After graduating in the top ten percent from Sevier County High School in 1967, she attended East Tennessee State University. Her dream was to be a teacher. After three years in college, Judy married Tony Layman. She did not graduate from college; however, her dream of teaching finally came to fruition when she was called to be a substitute teacher. Judy was dedicated to helping the children achieve educated and productive lives, as well as providing them with care and compassion. Mom was known for her radiant smile and hilarious, one-of-a-kind sense of humor. Making people laugh and smile were her favorite things to do. She was well known for her outrageous April Fool’s jokes. Judy loved gardening and always had one of the most beautiful gardens in the neighborhood. She frequently shared her produce with her neighbors, friends, and family. Judy was completely dedicated to Jesus and her family. She loved her grandchildren with all of her heart. She was the best Granny, Nanny, and Mammaw ever. She was preceded in death by parents, Ruby Lorraine Fox and Verner Phillips, grandparents, Julia Allen and Roscoe Fox, and Margaret Sutton and Jonah Phillips, mother-in-law and father-in-law, Blanche Byrd and Woodrow Layman; sister-in-law, Joann Chambers; brothers-in-law, Philemon Layman, Lowell (Delores) Layman, and Buford Layman. Judy is survived by her husband of 54 years, Everett “Tony” Layman, daughter Wendy (Mike), son Brennan (Jacinda); grandchildren Selena (Jason), Athena (Michael), Brody, Elijah, Wyatt, Quentin, and Journie; great-grandchildren Asher and Iris. She is also survived by her siblings, Amy (David), Don (Kay), Larry (Laura), Thelma (Richard), Grace, Bruce (Ramona); sisters-in-law, Sharon (Fred) Simms, Linda Layman, and Lynne Wallace; special nieces, Karen and Lori, special nephew, Daniel, and many other nieces, nephews, great-nieces and nephews, and cousins. We also want to thank Covenant Hospice for the care they provided our Mom. We especially thank nurse, Heather, for the kind and compassionate care, as she went above and beyond for Mom. The family will receive friends at Resthaven Memorial Gardens Chapel Mausoleum in Dandridge, TN, on Thursday, May 2nd, 2-4pm, with the funeral service at 4pm. The graveside service will be immediately following. The service will be officiated by Pastor Zane Stuart, with special message by Rev. Fred Heard. Pall bearers are Daniel Herron, Richard Herron, Billy McKee, Brody Floyd, Shannon Simms, and David Phillips. Honorary pall bearers are Jason Botts, Derrick Voyles, Barry Simms, Chad Phillips, Paul Herron, Jason Moses, and Michael Schaefer. Since red was Judy’s favorite color, please join the family in honoring Judy by including your own “touch of red” during Judy’s service.

Family and friends may sign the online register and post condolences at www.resthavenmemorialgardens.com

Services provided by Resthaven Funeral Home|Cemetery|Cremations.

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