A 1958 graduate of Bokoshe High School, she had also attended Draughon’s Business School in Tulsa and was employed by Oral Roberts Ministries. She retired from Walmart in December 2002, where she worked for 25 years.
Judy appreciated the beautiful things in life, especially flowers. She spent many happy hours outdoors pruning, weeding and planting in her flower beds. She was known for her lovely hydrangeas and roses.
She liked to travel, go shopping, and occasionally, fishing. An avid reader, Judy enjoyed Amish romance novels, Nicholas Sparks books, and working out word puzzles.
Judy was a music fan. She often listened to Christian music and went to southern gospel singings, and also attended various concerts when she had the opportunity, including shows by her beloved George Strait.
Known for her kindness and generosity of spirit, she will be missed by all who knew her.
In addition to her parents, Judy was preceded in death by her husband, Tommy Tanksley; a daughter, Sondra Mullis; a sister, Faye Abernathy and two infant brothers.
She is survived by a daughter, Billye Flanary of Broken Arrow; a son, Robert (Shirley) Gamble of Vanceburg, Kentucky; a son-in-law, Rick Mullis of Broken Arrow; a grandson, Shawn Mullis of Broken Arrow a brother, Gene (Belinda) Gamble of Rose, Oklahoma; and brother-in-law, Carold Abernathy, of Bokoshe, Oklahoma. Also surviving are several nephews, nieces, cousins, friends and co-workers who will cherish her memory.
A celebration of her life will be held at 2 p.m. on Saturday, February 22, 2025 at the Evans Chapel of Memories in Poteau, Oklahoma, with Pastor Scott Olson officiating. Interment will follow at the Old Bokoshe Cemetery in Bokoshe, Oklahoma under the direction of Evans & Miller Funeral Home of Poteau, Oklahoma.
Pallbearers will be Eddie Abernathy, Rodney Abernathy, Edward Abernathy, Jeffrey Abernathy, Ross Abernathy and Carson Abernathy.
You may leave an online message at www.evansandmillerfuneralhome.com.
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