Judith Murdaugh Obituary in Dillon at Bartell Funeral Home, LLC.

Obituary For Judith Murdaugh

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.

Photos & Video

Condolences & Tributes

Add A Condolence

Before moving to CT I grew up across the street from Ms. Judy's parents. I played with Monica and Winfred.

To the family and friends of the Murdaugh family, so sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts and prayers are extended in hopes that peace will surround each of you🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾🙏🏾

Condolences to the Murdaugh family. Stay encouraged!

Condolences to the Murdaugh Family.

Sending our heartfelt condolences and prayers to the family. Earth hath no sorrow that heaven cannot heal. May memories and love continue to fill your heart of your dear Mother. Elder Bernard&Eunice DeCoster Giles, Florence,SC

Aunt Judy you will forever be in our thoughts and prayers, you were a beautiful, funny full of life wonderful Woman. Rest well until we meet again. Love you 😍💗

Our thoughts and prayers are with the Murdaugh family. Rev. Allen and Inetta Robinson

I met Judy in 1972 at USC and she has been a friend every since. Condolences to Judy's family, as long as you live she will live in your hearts. God bless you all. Ophelia M. Starks

I've only known you for a short time but it seemed like it was years. You were a very sweet and nice person who would keep you laughing and always giving. God don't make mistakes when he put people in your path even though it was for a session I was still bless to know you. My deepest condolences. You are truly missed. Janie Howard and the Nelson family.

Will miss that lovely smile and supportive voice in both the AARP and WCEA-R organizations. I admired the strength she exhibited throughout her health battles. May God continue to bless her family. Mary E. Cooper Kingstree, SC

"Gone from our sight, but never from our hearts." Our heartfelt sorrow for the loss of your mother and our friend. You and your family are in our thoughts and prayers during this difficult time. With Sympathy, Vital Aging of Williamsburg County, Inc. Staff

Sincere sympathy to the Murdaugh family. May God keep you in His care. Magnolia T. Williams

Mrs. Murdaugh from the time i met you when LaVue and Winifred started dating i told you that you was Queen of fashion and you kept us laughing as we celebrate birthday dinners and all of our family affairs. I thought it was so funny when you would not let your children or your two angels A.J. and Chip call you grandma everyone had to call you Judy. I will never forget when you made my wedding cake shaped like a church. I also will always remember when you and I was looking at Whitney Houston's memorial service and i thought i saw Whitney eyes moving. I will always thank you and Mr. Murdaugh for the way you all took LaVue as a daughter not a daughter law. When you went shopping and everyone know that you was a professional shopper you always shopped for LaVue as well as Monica and Winifred and God blessed you with two awesome grandsons who was your heart strings until you transition from earth to glory. Judy you overcame several medical issues through out the years but you always bounced back.We will miss you but God makes no mistakes and now you and Mr. Murdaugh are back together for eternity. Sleep on my friend and I will see you in the morning. Winifred, Monica, LaVue, Chip and A. J. will be alright because they have so many memories they can always laugh about of you. Luv always. Lisa and Courtney Capers.

Condolences to the Murdaugh Family.

From Day One to the last beautiful moment of Life, Mrs. Judith Murdaugh you were my second mother, faithfully making me feel like a part of your family, and I promise you I will never wear them ugly jeans again, love your strength, faith and family. G. Kenneth

"Earth has no sorrow that Heaven cannot cure". Judy you are already missed by family and friends. You fought your battles well! Now it's time to get your rest! We love you dear. Your friend, Little Queen. SIP sweet lady. I will make sure you are remembered--(Our secret) LOL

Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.

Bartell Funeral Home, LLC. | Dillon, SC