Iris Sylvia Judkins

On her 69th birthday, surrounded by loving family, Iris S. Judkins entered into the Kingdom of Heaven at Southside Regional Medical Center, Petersburg, VA.  She was born on November 25, 1950, to the late, Ella Mae and Thessalonians Judkins.

As a youth, Iris accepted Christ as her personal Savior and joined Mt. Gilead Baptist Church where she remained a member for over fifty-five years.  She faithfully served on the Usher Board and Hospitality Committee; often serving as Mistress of Ceremony and/or speaking on various occasions.  

Iris attended the Williamsburg-James City County Schools; graduating from James Blair High School with the Class of 1969.  She furthered her education obtained her Bachelors Degree from Lincoln University in Pennsylvania and her Master's Degree from the University of Maryland.  Iris was a devoted member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority (a charter member of the Williamsburg Chapter) and the Black Social Workers of Richmond.

Iris was loved, respected and admired by many. She loved her family dearly and her niece, Kailah was the love of her life. Iris worked many years as a Social Worker, she was passionate about her work and helping people.   Family and friends knew Iris as a “Giver”, she always had something for the little ones. She truly had a servant’s heart and never had a negative word to say to or about anyone. It was God’s divine plan for Iris to be born first, she was the epitome of a Big Sister; setting the example and was an extraordinary role model to her sisters.  She was an inspiration to many, a natural nurturer, anyone who came in contact with Iris immediately felt loved and like family.  She gave freely, without expectations other than to see someone smile.  she often sacrificed her own needs to make someone’s day brighter.  Everything about Iris exemplified love and her life’s work definitely spoke for her.  She will truly be missed immensely. 

She was proceeded in death by her sister, Shirleen T. Judkins.  She leaves cherished memories with her loving sisters, Connie Judkins and Olga Hale; niece, Kailah N. Hale; two godchildren, Christy Fuller and Theresa Walker; and a host of devoted cousins, sorority sisters, and friends. 

A service celebrating her life will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, November 30, 2019, in Bethel Restoration Center.  Interment to follow in Mt. Gilead Baptist Church Cemetery.  Family and friends to assemble at the church by 12:30 p.m. on Saturday.  The family will receive friends from 5:00 p.m until 7:00 p.m. Friday in Mt. Gilead Baptist Church with the Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Omega Omega ceremony commencing at 6:00 p.m.

Professional services entrusted to the staff of Whiting's Funeral Home, 7005 Pocahontas Trail, Williamsburg, Virginia  23185. 757-229-3011. whitingsfuneralhome.com.

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