Judith Speights Murdaugh - Kingstree ​Judith Almerta Speights Murdaugh passed away on Thursday, September 23, 2021 at McLeod Hospice House in Florence, SC. Affectionately known as Judy, she was born in Florence on February 18, 1940 to Thomas Jefferson and Cleo Wilson Speights. ​Judy gave her life to the work of the Lord at an early age and joined Siloam Missionary Baptist Church in Kingstree, SC. Later, she joined Mt. Zion United Methodist Church in Kingstree. She was the church musician for many years at both of the churches. She found fulfillment in using her gift and education to render music for the Lord for more than 60 years. At Mt. Zion, she also served in many other capacities, including the Chairperson of the Committee on Archives and History, Chairperson of the Homecoming Committee, member of Staff/Pastor Parish Relations Committee. She served the South Carolina Conference of the United Methodist Church as a member of the Conference Archives and History Committee and Worship Committee, where she also served as Chairperson. ​Mrs. Murdaugh graduated from Tomlinson High School in 1957. She also received her Bachelor of Science Degree in Music from Claflin College, now University in 1962 and her Master of Education from South Carolina State College, now University. She continued her higher education by receiving certifications in several areas, including Speech Pathology. She was a lifelong educator in Georgetown and Williamsburg County Schools. ​Mrs. Murdaugh was on the 1975 Charter Line of the Kingstree-Lake City Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. where she served in many capacities and became a Golden Life Member. She was also a member of the Evening Star Chapter 246 of the Order of the Eastern Star, Williamsburg County Retired Educators Association, SC Retired Educators Association, National Council of Negro Women, Williamsburg County Vital Aging Board of Directors and many other organizations. ​On January 31, 1962, Judy married the love of her life, the late Winfred Olin Murdaugh, Sr. and to this union, two children were born, Winfred, Jr. and Monica. Her family was truly the earthly center of her joy. She and her husband, Winfred were inseparable until he departed this life on August 16, 2016. ​Judy was best known for her “meet no stranger” personality and she had many close friends and associates everywhere she went. She loved shopping, traveling, reading and engaging in long conversations with her friends. ​She was preceded in death by her parents and husband, along with her only sibling, her brother, Thomas Randolph Speights. ​She leaves to cherish fond memories: her loving son, Winfred O. Murdaugh, Jr.; her loving and dedicated daughter and caretaker, Monica U. Murdaugh; a second loving daughter, Rev. Gypsie LaVue Murdaugh; two grandsons who were the apples of her eye, Aaron “AJ” Nelson and Winfred “Chip” Murdaugh, III; two sisters-in-law: Yvonne Speights and Doris Murdaugh; one brother-in-law, Rev. Lorenzo Murdaugh, three caretakers in the home and a host of other relatives and loving friends.