Judith Anne Brown Obituary in Richmond at Scotts Funeral Home

Obituary For Judith Anne Brown

Judith A. "Judy" Brown (Breedlove), 71, of Richmond, quietly drifted into eternal life on the night of Monday, May 11, 2020. Judy was born in Charlottesville, Virginia on August 26, 1948 to Louis Jr. and Daisy Morse Brown. She believed in the power of education prompting her journey to Muskingum College in Ohio on a full scholarship. Soon, marriage to Albert Anderson relocated her to Lynchburg, Virginia where she graduated from Lynchburg College with a BA in Sociology in 1971. Even though Judy was now a devoted mother, she was determined to set a good example for her daughter, Melissa, and continued to be dedicated to her education. Through scholarships, Judy obtained a master’s in social work from Virginia Commonwealth University and was recognized by John Hopkins University and Virginia Polytechnic Institute for her outstanding contribution and work. In 1981, she received her Certification as Forensic Evaluator from University of Virginia, Institute of Law, Psychiatry and Public Policy. Seeking to complete a well-rounded education and skill set, she became a Licensed Clinical Social Worker. Judy was a hard worker that blazed trails throughout the City of Richmond Department of Mental Health, where she worked for over 25 years. She was an Assistant Professor and Director of Field Instruction at Virginia Union University Department of Social Work. She was the first Black woman to serve on Richmond’s first Forensic Evaluator Team. During this time frame she served as the Director of the Medication Unit for the Department of Mental Health. Not only did she exceed expectations academically and professionally, Judy was a pillar and gave back to her community. Whether teaching Social Work at Virginia Union University, serving as a Mental Health Assessment and Evaluation professional for New Hope Support Services or serving as a Case Manager for Feedmore, even well into retirement, Judy never forgot about the health and well being of her community. Although Judy loved what she did and the people she served, there was nothing like the love of family that gave her the most joy. Whether her immediate family or her church family, Judy embraced laughter and her laugh was unmistakable and heartfelt. In 2001, Judy married her everlasting love, Vaughan Breedlove, and together over the years, their hearts grew right along with the seeds they sowed, the children and grandchildren they lovingly raised, and the legacy they left. Today and forevermore, Judy is exactly where she wants to be, brokenhearted no more and in the arms of her holy Father and her eternal love, laughing with joy, and waiting for the moment to see her family and friends again. She was preceded in death most recently by her beloved husband, Vaughan E. Breedlove; parents, Louis Jr. and Daisy Morse Brown and grandson, Langston Emmanuel Hopkins. Surviving are her loving daughter, Melissa J. Anderson-Hopkins; stepsons, Vaughan E., Jr., Vinton, of Philadelphia, Pa. and Vaughan E. Breedlove, III; two grandchildren, Louis Brown Hopkins (LB) and London Victoria Hopkins (The Duchess); brother, Mark Brown, Jr. of Lynchburg, Va.; six dedicated nieces and nephews; a host of great nieces and nephews; a devoted sister in love, Gail Brown; six godchildren, other relatives, and friends. A private memorial celebration for family only will be held 12 noon Saturday, May 16 at Scott's Chapel, 116 E. Brookland Park Blvd. Rev. Dr. Sylvester T. Smith officiating. The service may be viewed via livestream at scottsfuneralhome.com. Please honor Judy's memory with fun and inspirational moments in her online guest book at scottsfuneralhome.com. In lieu of flowers, please make donations to the Alzheimer's Association, 4600 Cox Road, Suite 130, Glen Allen, Va. 23060.

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Melissa, your mother's obituary was beautiful. Her life was such an inspiration. Please know that you and your family are in my prayers. Love, Chris Booker-Carlisle

Melissa, the Homegoing Service for your Mom was so very touching. I could envision your mom beaming with pride as you began to step into her legacy. Judy and I were more than just next door neighbors and more than sisters in Christ of the Good Shepherd Baptist Church family. We were close friends. We were always there for each other, especially during the illnesses of our husbands and their subseqent homegoing. I will miss our long phone conversations which included updates about her wonderful grandchidren. I will keep our friendship in my heart. Please know that I am available to you ,LB, and especially London whenever you need me. God Bless You all. Love and Blessing, Florence Jones.

Praying for the family during this difficult time.Sending prayers of peace and comfort. Love, Barbara Buckingham

Melissa, L.B., & London my prayers are with you. I'm eternally grateful for the time I spent with Aunt Judy and the things I learned from her in the short time I was there. God makes no mistakes and Aunt Judy was an amazing woman and child of God who He chose to carry on her journey as the magnificent Angel she has always been! Love and blessings to you all. Kim (Kimberly Haynes

Melissa, L.B., & London my prayers are with you. I'm eternally grateful for the time I spent with Aunt Judy and the things I learned from her in the short time I was there. God makes no mistakes and Aunt Jusdy was an amazing woman and child of God who he chose to carry on her journey as the magnificent Angel she has always been! Love and blessings to you all. Kim (Kimberly Haynes)

My condolences to the family.May Judith R.I.P. Classmate of Central High School 1966. Roger Willis HS7JKHH

We send our deepest sympathy to you and your family. Our prayers are with you especially today as you honor her life of service to God, her family, and her community.

Melissa, sending love, light, prayers and peace to you today and for days to come as you lay your mother to rest. May God bless and comfort you all. Carla Ingram

I am saddened to hear of Judy's passing. Last week, while going through old cards and papers, I ran accross a note that Judy sent me back in the 90's. It brought back warm memories and I was shocked to learn this week that she had gone to her eternal home. Judy's life and light will be fondly and warmly remembered and deeply missed. My sincere condolences to Melissa, LB, London, and to the Neely family who were so close to her. Love, peace and blessing, Lorae Ponder

Dear Melissa, LB, London and family,
I cannot believe that such a Brilliant Light and Beautiful Flower of God has left us. There are no words of comfort I can Express to you at this difficult time. Just know that your Awesome Mother loved and adored all of you. You were are still are her joy. May God ease your pain and hold you and the family in His Huge Hands. With Deepest Sympathy and Love, Your Cousins Archie and Dorothy Blakely.

My Love for you is meaningful
The birds that sing in the morning, have a new meaning now.
The calm water on the lake shore seems to have a meaning now.
The song that makes me want to dance and tap my shoe, has a new meaning now.
The rain against my window seems to have a melody, you know a true meaning now.
I will miss you forever my dear friend. I'll cherish the laughs we have shared over the years, the adventures we faced letting go of our fears.
I'm thankful that our paths crossed one another I believe it was meaningful. I'll love you today and always and I really do mean it.
~Shantel Haskins
From Jearl Anderson and Family

Melissa, sorry to hear of your lost. We are praying for your family. Your mother will be greatly missed. She was truly a special person. We loved her dearly. Charles and Nelzena Wood.

I love you Aunt Judy. Thank you for all the love, care, discipline, and wisdom you bestowed upon LB, London, and I growing up. I truly appreciate everything you've done for me and I will never forget how much you and Uncle Vaughn have impacted my life. All the times I would come over to your house and we talk & laugh about any and everything. How you helped me with figuring out how to navigate life. All the home cooked meals you made. To Melissa, LB, and London, I'm so sorry and i love you all so much. Thank you for your light, love, and spirit. Thank you Aunt Judy for being a strong black woman who always spoke her mind and stayed true to who you are. Until next time.
Love, Justin

Melissa, my sincere condolences for the loss of your mother. Words cannot express my sadness. Your mom was a great person and she loved her family. I will always remember Mrs. Judy by her bright beautiful smile. Praying for strength and comfort. Love you - Sherrilyn Hicks

Our heart is heavy. You are home at last. Face to face with the Father where every question is answered and every tear is wiped away. Thanks for being our friend. -Geraldine and Fermando

The message below is from your sister and Soror, Pam Bell and family

Melissa, reading this obituary of a strong, loving, determined, and well-educated mom mirrors the legacy she left behind in you and the kids. What powerful seeds she planted...which have grown beautiful flowers with the same vigor and quality she possessed! I enjoyed knowing your mom and witnessing her consistent smile which was ready for the next unique laugh or positive encounter with people who brought light...because she did, too. I loved seeing her beam with pride as she watched you and the grandkids soar enjoy life. Melissa...your mom lives a full life and touched many. You have been blessed with a powerful and inspiring mom..what a blessing. Her story of caring and excellence lives on forever in the two beautiful generations and legacy she left behind. Rest on...Job well done down here. Praying for strength, comfort, and understanding for Melissa, LB, London and her family.

Melissa, I do not know you but I knew and loved your Mom. I worked with her at Feed More and will always remember her positive attitude and so very infectious laugh. No matter what was going on I could always count on Judy bringing a smile to my day. More importantly, I always knew our clients were in very capable hands and I treasured that. I wish you the peace of knowing your Mom is happy in her new home and and beloved by all of us who were priveledged enough to know her. Marycatherine Savage

In Loving Memory of Judith Ann Brown, Through your days among us were too brief and our grief at your loss is never-ending. We draw comfort from the knowledge that you have found safe refuge in the Lord in and our hearts, where no darkness or pain can touch you now. We bless you with love, light and our gratitude. Rose Chapel Baptist Church family and friends.

Melissa, Our sincere thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. You will always be a part of us . Keep the good times shared with your mom forever and the power of God will see you through. The Brazil Family

Melissa, it was quite surprising to learn of Judith's passing. We have fond memories of being next door neighbors on Wentbridge Road.Her infectious laugh and devotion to you is unforgettable. We shared her pride when you left for college and when you married. She was such a dotting grandmother when Louis was born. And she was so proud of his first Halloween costume (a Lion) when she took him trick or treating. You have our deepest sympathy. Patricia and Pernell Taylor

Melissa, my sincere condolences for the loss of your mother. You and your children are in my thoughts and prayers.- Love, Dawn Anderson

The previous message was from Sandra L. Reed RN

Melissa I am sorry to hear of your mothers home going. She was one of my first supervisors in 1990 at Richmond Mental Health ,which is now RBHA. Whenever I saw her in later years she always had her bright smile and upbeat personality. My sympathy and prayers to you and family. God bless and be at peace.

I was saddened to hear of the loss of your mother, as I know she's your best friend. She celebrated you like no other. I'm remembering your 50th birthday celebration where she invited us all to celebrate your milestone. Melissa, LB and Duchess my prayer is that the Lord God grants you strength and comfort in the days to come. Please know that you are loved.
-Samantha Thompson

Melissa my deepest sympathy to you, LB, and London on loss of your beloved Mother and their Grandmother. Prayers of comfort, strength, love and peace at this time.

I am so very sorry to learn of Judy's passing and my sincere and deepest sympathy goes to Judy's family.
Liz Ballenger John Marshall High School, Class of 1969

I was so sorry to hear of Vaughn's passing and absolutely shocked to hear of Judith's. My deepest condolences to the family.

I am going to miss our long talks we had. We did not know each other long but we clicked right away. I'm going to miss you. I was not prepared for you to leave yet. You were so good to me during my cancer journey. Love Amy