Judy Freeman - Central High School class of 1961

Dear Friends,



It is with a heavy heart and tearful eyes that I tell you that Judy passed away at around 4 pm today. I was with Graham and Gregg at her bedside and she did indeed ”go softly into that good night." Among the most courageous people I have ever known, she fought for her life against a mean enemy. Her struggle was dignified and humorous. The writer will ever be grateful for having the "bestest" best friend in the world for 50 years. My life was enriched each day by her joy and I will always be her champion. I will let you know about the memorial celebration as those plans are developed. Peace
Helen Garner Hiatt


JUDY FREEMAN, of Memphis, 64, died on Sunday, March 9 from complications of cancer. Judy leaves behind her sons, Graham Freeman Short of Seattle, Washington, and Gregg Forrest Short of Memphis; her daughter-in-law Angela Carolyn Short of Memphis; two grandchildren, Savannah Diane Short and Danielle Judith Short; and her brother and sister-in-law, Jim and Pat Freeman of Hot Springs, Arkansas. Anyone who ever encountered Judy also knows that she is preceded in death by an extremely large and loving group of friends in Memphis and throughout the world. Judy’s passion in life was to live it wellbeyond the simple norm. While she was an absolutely wonderful gardener, cook, mother, and grandmother, she was also deeply committed to spiritual learning as a practitioner of Loving Relationships Training and various Women’s Groups. Judy also danced ballet and taught dance for over 20 years, and spent her remaining years studying and practicing yoga. She was with Memphis magazine for over 15 years, before starting her own business as a real estate investor. Judy at heart was an explorer, and was as at home in the mountains of Peru, the gardens of Bali, and dancing under the street lights in the French Quarter of New Orleans as she was in much of her daily life. She also lived in Manhattan and on a farm outside Tulsa, Oklahoma. Judy fought the good fight for several years, after being diagnosed with ovarian cancer. She never succumbed to self-pity and was an inspiration to all of those who knew her. Even in her final days, her sense of humor was contagious. Judy was human and she had her struggles in life. But she always strove to live in love, rather than fear. She wished to thank those who participated in her life those people who helped make it so full and rich, as well as those who helped her and her family during her illness and her death. She will always be remembered as the beautiful, elegant, and exciting person whose lifelong quest for knowledge and understanding of the universe was matched only by the love she showed everyone she knew with her actions, not just words on a day-to-day basis. For those who would like to make a donation in Judy’s memory, her wish was that you support early ovarian cancer testing by making a contribution to National Ovarian Cancer Coalition on line at http://www. ovarian.org/ or by calling 561-393-0005, A party and celebration of Judy’s life will be held on Sunday, March 16 at The Cove at 2559 Broad Avenue from 35 p.m.