Judith “Judy” Parmenter, 93, of the Villas of Holly Brook in Savoy, IL, passed away on March 27, 2025. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 68 years, Dr. Bruce Parmenter, of Urbana, IL. Judy is survived by her five children: Linda Searby (Mark) of Newberry, FL; Cindi Parmenter of Nolensville, TN; Patricia Reichard (Jon) of Urbana, IL; Todd Parmenter (Pam) of Peoria, IL; and Eric Parmenter (Sherry) of Franklin, TN. In addition, she leaves behind 13 grandchildren and 21 great-grandchildren. Her family was the center of her life.

Judy was born on September 10, 1931, in Rockford, IL, to Leonard and Virginia (Storm) Key. The family later moved to Shumway, IL, where they began farming, and Judy graduated from Beecher City High School. She attended Lincoln Bible Institute in Lincoln, IL, but chose to pause her studies to support her husband’s ministry. Together, they served Christian congregations in Bible Grove, Martinton, Beecher City, Tuscola, and Decatur, IL where they formed life-long friendships. Later, when Dr. Bruce Parmenter became a professor at Lincoln Christian Seminary, Judy resumed her education at Illinois State University while raising five children. She earned her degree in elementary education in 1974.

Judy dedicated 19 years to teaching in public schools, where she worked with children in kindergarten, second, and fourth grades in Lincoln, IL, and later taught kindergarten and first grade in St. Joseph, IL. Her family takes pride in her legacy in education, especially in the founding of the first preschool at Lincoln Christian Church in Lincoln, IL, which is still thriving and celebrating its 50th anniversary this year.

A woman of deep faith and a heart full of service, Judy was known for her love of family and her warm hospitality. Her home was always open to loved ones, friends and anyone who showed up at their doorstep, hosting countless dinners and gatherings filled with lovingly prepared food and warm conversation. She volunteered her time tutoring international students in Wichita, KS, and worked with the local food pantry in Lincoln, IL. Judy also used her knitting skills to create prayer shawls for those facing health challenges and crafted prostheses for women undergoing breast reconstruction surgery.

The family would like to extend heartfelt thanks to the dedicated caregivers at the Villas of Hollybrook, especially Dorsey, R.N., and Heather, Autumn, and Michelle, CNA's for their compassionate care. They also want to express gratitude to the Transitions Hospice team, particularly nurses and caregivers Jaslyn, Kara, Melanie, Kathy, Sherry and the other “angels” who cared for her during her final days.

A celebration of Judy’s life will be held on Saturday, March 29th at Webber Street Christian Church, 107 South Webber Street, Urbana, at 11:00 a.m. with visitation one and one half hours prior to the service. She will be laid to rest at Beecher City Cemetery alongside her husband, parents, and sister.

In honor of Judy’s lifelong dedication to education, in lieu of flowers the family invites donations to the Lincoln Christian Church Preschool, 204 N. McLean St., Lincoln, IL 62656, to continue her legacy of nurturing young minds.