Judith Ann Finley Franklin

February 1, 2020
Judith Ann Finley Franklin

Judith Ann Finley Franklin, 76, beloved wife, mother, and grandmother passed away unexpectedly on Saturday, February 1, 2020.

Judy was born in St. Louis, Missouri. She attended Drury College where she studied sociology. On December 21, 1963, Judy married James (Jim) Franklin. During their fifty-six years together, Judy and Jim lived in Texas, Missouri, Florida, and Virginia, where they called Williamsburg home for 35 years.

Everyone who knew Judy knew how much she loved her dogs. In the world of dog-showing, she was an accomplished exhibitor, breeder, and mentor as well as a well-respected American Kennel Club judge.

Judy is survived by husband, Jim; daughter, Kathleen Huffman and husband Michael of Williamsburg; son, James Franklin and wife Sharon of Raleigh, NC; and grandchildren Scott, Reid, Mairead, and Niamh.

A visitation will be held at Bucktrout Funeral Home on Thursday, February 6, 2020 from 5pm-7pm. Her funeral service will be held at Bucktrout Funeral Home on Friday, February 7, 2020 at 1pm.


Service

Friday, February 7, 2020
1:00 PM

Bucktrout Funeral Home - Directions
4124 Ironbound Road
Williamsburg, VA 23188
757-229-3822

Visitation

Thursday, February 6, 2020
5:00 PM - 5:00 PM

Bucktrout Funeral Home - Directions
4124 Ironbound Road
Williamsburg, VA 23188
757-229-3822

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  • February 04, 2020
    Jeanne Spaulding-Harrington says:
    I can’t begin to say how much I admire Judy. Always a gracious lady. She is loved by all of us at the Spaulding household. My introduction to the world of dog shows started with a little tan and white puppy named Austin. Jim’s favorite in the Bond litter. My heart breaks for your loss. At this time of sadness I wish I could be there. Love and hugs to you all.

  • February 04, 2020
    Kimberly Ruoff says:
    Words fail the expression of my true sorrow . . . the loss of Judy is the loss of an icon for our people; source of the best buddy of my life, Rudy; founding member of our local Fox Terrier club, mentor to guide my most prized avocation. Judy, I will miss you and never find another equal resource for advice and support. Peace to you in this next chapter.

  • February 04, 2020
    Debbie Vaught says:
    The world is a little less bright today. My dear friend Judy Franklin is gone. We met at Langley Kennel Club (dogs, of course!) and became fast friends. We traveled together, showed together and co-owned a couple of dogs over the years. She and her much loved husband Jim Franklin would come to my house or I would go to theirs for "puppy picking parties". (to make sure we were keeping the best show prospects) She became a very well respected AKC judge. Some of her Blackthorn Smooth Fox Terriers' descendants are still making their mark in the breed today. Really, though, we just really loved each other and always laughed when we were together. We only lived a mile apart. One time, Jim got hurt breaking up a dog fight and had an artery spurting blood. Judy called ME! I RAN out of the house with my tourniquet and clean towels. ( I used to be an Med Tech so always have a tourniquet handy) By the time I got there, thankfully, they had stopped the bleeding. I said "I love you, Judy, but you should have dialed 911." She said " I know, but I knew you'd get here quicker." Despite all of our wonderful dog stories, my favorite came several years ago when she called me on the phone. She said "Debbie! Are you watching "The Walking Dead"? I said "No. I don't do zombies." She said "Yeah, there's zombies, but it's really not about them. You HAVE to watch it!" I said "No, thanks." She (being a terrier who never gives up) said "Yes you will! There is a character named Carol. She seems all sweet and nice, but she will kick everybody's ass to save her friends! My friend, Elaine, said 'Everybody should have a Carol' and I said 'I do! I have Debbie.' You're my Carol!" Of course, I immediately started watching the show and cried when I got to know that character. Calling me "her Carol" may just be the nicest thing anyone has ever said about me. Judy, I wish I could have kicked the ass of your pain and sickness and saved you. I love you and will miss you forever, my friend.

  • February 05, 2020
    Claudia Supensky says:
    Judy became a dear friend to me after just knowing her a short time. She shared her knowledge with me and her warm friendship welcoming me into her life. I first knew Judy through showing dogs. She encouraged me and blessed me. Most of our relationship was long distance because of being on opposite sides of the U.S. but we chatted on the phone and wrote back and forth sharing things about dogs, politics, our faith in God and mutual friends. Oh how I wish I'd stayed in better touch. Still, I knew she was my friend and I hope she knew I was her's. I loved her. I'm looking forward to seeing her again. I know God has blessed you, Judy.

  • February 05, 2020
    Phil/Marilyn Poling says:
    Sincere condolences - we will be praying for Jim and the rest of the family for the Lord to give them comfort at this time of shocking news. Please let us know if there is anything we can do to ease the hurt and loss, but we know, now understanding the situation, believe she is in a better place and free of pain. Heartfelt regards, Phil and Marilyn Poling