Judy McGehee

Originally from Louisa, Virginia, Judy lived and worked in Richmond, Virginia, before returning to Louisa for an extended stay.  From there, she relocated briefly to Woodstock, Virginia, and soon at the urging of a friend, moved to Lynchburg in 2011. 

Judy graduated from Louisa County High School in 1968, entered Smithdeal-Massey Business College in Richmond and two years later had a certificate in the legal assistant program. After engaging in this line of work for four years with Christian & Barton law firm in Richmond, she switched to banking, at what was then First and Merchant’s Bank.  For five years she served as a secretary in their National Bank Division for Commercial Loans.

The return to Louisa allowed Judy to care for aging parents while working as a legal assistant for a sole law firm proprietor for over 20 years.  Her responsibilities were broad and interesting.  Work in both Woodstock and Lynchburg was on a part-time basis and in 2012 she officially retired.

Outside of work Judy has cultivated many hobbies and interests.  As a child she assisted her father with his vegetable garden, which developed into a strong interest for her. In addition to her own annual vegetable gardens, she has been a key volunteer for over 20 years in the restoration of five major gardens at Shrine Mont Center in Orkney Springs, Virginia, a retreat and conference center owned by the Episcopal Diocese of Virginia.

Needle work is another strong interest for Judy.  In the late 1980’s she took a course in tatting, which today is one of her favorite handwork activities.  Tatting, or the handcrafting of durable lace from a series of knots and loops, was a popular activity during the first half of the 20th century; today it is rare to know someone with these skills.  Judy is equally involved as an enthusiastic follower of college sports, especially football and basketball. 

The sense of community offered by Westminster Canterbury was a strong attraction for Judy in deciding to move.  She is excited about settling in where many of her friends reside and looks forward to making new friends.