Judith "Judy" Lynne Qualls

Judith Lynne Qualls passed away at home in Farmington on July 18, 2026, one day after her 74th birthday. Born July 17, 1952, in Farmington to Harold and Dorothy (Jenkerson) Johnson, she grew up in Leadwood and graduated from Leadwood High School in 1970.

Judy will be remembered for her sense of humor, as well as her unique blend of sweetness and pragmatism. She married Russell Qualls in 1982 and was the proud mother of Sarah (Stanley) Miner, Jessica Qualls, Jason Qualls, and Adam Qualls.

In the 1980s and 90s, Judy was active in Beta Sigma Phi sorority and at both the Presbyterian Church of the Leadbelt and Farmington Presbyterian Church. She volunteered with her daughters’ Girl Scout groups and worked for a time as an activity director at Desloge Health Care and Farmington Presbyterian Manor.

After her kids started school, Judy served as a clerk in the St. Francois County Circuit Court for 22 years, eventually serving as Chief Clerk under Judge Tom Ray. She was admired for her no-nonsense attitude, retiring in 2017.

Throughout the years, she enjoyed caring for many pets, several of whom she named after the flowers she loved to garden.

The last in her immediate family to pass into the hereafter, Judy is preceded in death by her parents and sisters, Lucy Hale and Janet Holdman. She is survived by her husband, four children, five grandchildren: Victoria Rickus, Allison Miller, Jacob Rickus, Emmalee Periman, and Lucy McFarland; six great-grandchildren; brother-in-law, Fred Hale; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

A memorial visitation will be held on Friday, July 24, 2026, from 4:30 p.m. until the time of service at 6:30 p.m. at Cozean Memorial Chapel officiated by her son, Jason Qualls.

In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to Blood Cancer United, P.O. Box 98018, Washington, DC 20090-8018 or www.bloodcancerunited.org