Judy Barnett
Judy Barnett, 81, of Palmyra, MO, passed away at 4:20 AM, Tuesday, December 2, 2025, at Blessing Hospital in Quincy, IL.
Funeral Services will be held at 10:00 AM, Saturday, December 6, 2025, at the Lewis Brothers Funeral Chapel in Palmyra, MO. Rev. Steve Barker will officiate. Burial will follow at Greenwood Cemetery in Palmyra, MO.
Friends and Family are invited to Judy’s Life Celebration at a visitation that will be held from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM, Friday, December 5, 2025, at the Lewis Brothers Funeral Chapel in Palmyra, MO.
Arrangements are under the direction of the Lewis Brothers Funeral Chapel in Palmyra, MO.
Judy was born February 2, 1944, in Peoria, IL to Tom Frazier and Nadine Robertson Frazier. She married Wayne Barnett, June 1, 1968, in Ursa, IL. He preceded her in death on March 23, 1995.
Survivors include her children, Kelly (Kevin) Smyser of Palmyra, MO, Troy Barnett of Palmyra, MO, Holly Harris of Palmyra, MO, Travis Barnett of Palmyra, MO, grandchildren, Matthew (Caitlin) Smyser, Morgan (Dustin) Hopper, Makenzie (Stephen) Manus, Dalton Barnett, Cierra Barnett, Gage Barnett, Wyatt Harris, Shelby Harris, great grandchildren, Kenlie, Maisie, Bennett, Collins, Melanee, Brynleigh, Payton, sisters, Karen Campbell of Quincy, IL, and Cathy (Allen) Tate of Quincy, IL and numerous nieces and nephews.
Judy was preceded in death by her parents, husband, father and mother-in-law, John and Lora Barnett, brother-in-laws, Don Campbell and JB Barnett.
As the longtime secretary to the principal in the Palmyra School District, she adored the kids who came through the doors each day, and her Panther pride ran deep. She kept score at basketball games for years, rarely missed an MSHSAA tournament— even when Palmyra wasn’t playing—and nothing brought her more joy than cheering on her grandchildren at their sporting events.
Judy was equally at home on the farm. She drove the tractor during hay season, brought meals to the field, and tended a thriving vegetable garden. She cherished her collections of 50- cent pieces, Kachina and Wade figurines. She loved to travel, taking memorable trips to Colorado, Las Vegas, New Mexico, Washington, D.C., Hershey, PA, and Florida. A talented cook, her caramel rolls, lasagna, chicken and noodles, oyster soup, and Christmas candy were family favorites that will be dearly missed. She savored the refreshing taste of a Cherry Pepsi, a Bloody Mary or a Fuzzy Navel.
She enjoyed reading Grisham and Steel novels, playing Bunco, bowling, camping, fishing, going to the movies, and playing cards with her in-laws. Years ago, she and Wayne even enjoyed going out dancing. She listened to the oldies, Elvis and The Mamas and the Papas. She once proudly drove a red 1965 Impala convertible with a white top, and she never failed to spread out the grocery flyers to make her weekly shopping list.
Judy’s kindness, humor, and hardworking spirit touched all who knew her, and her legacy of love and loyalty will continue to shine through her family and friends.
Judy was a member of the First Christian Church of Palmyra, MO but most recently attended the First Presbyterian Church in Palmyra, MO.
Pallbearers will be Matthew Smyser, Morgan Hopper, Makenzie Manus, Dalton Barnett, Cierra Barnett, Gage Barnett, Wyatt Harris and Shelby Harris.
Honorary pallbearers will be Jim Lear, Jim Lowe, Steve Rueter, Alan Tate and Claire Lewis.
Memorial contributions may be made to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital.
