There are some women who enter a room, and there are some women who light up a room simply by being there. Judy was one of those rare women.

She passed away peacefully on September 16, 2026, surrounded by her family. She leaves behind a family who loved her beyond words and a lifetime of memories that will forever be woven into the fabric of our lives.

For 62 years, Judy was the beloved wife of Joseph Ernest Chancellor, her devoted husband and partner in life. Together, they shared a beautiful marriage and created a family that was her greatest pride and joy.

A true Southern belle, Judy was stunningly beautiful, effortlessly elegant, and utterly charming. She possessed a natural grace that could never be taught and a style all her own. She had an extraordinary eye for fashion, jewelry, accessories, and interior design. She knew how to put together an outfit, accessorize with flair, host a five star event and transform a house into a beautiful and welcoming home.

Judy loved the little details that made life special. She delighted in seasonal decorations and had a gift for making every holiday and every season feel magical. Her love of beauty extended to everything around her, and she brought her own special touch to every room she entered.

And, of course, Judy would never leave the house without her lipstick. She believed in being properly put together at all times and heaven forbid anyone should suggest wearing white after Labor Day! Some things, after all, were simply not negotiable for a true Southern lady like Judy.

She was our movie-star mother—the beautiful, stylish, larger-than-life woman who seemed as though she had stepped right out of another era. But behind all that glamour was a woman with a heart full of love for her family. She loved fiercely, laughed often, and created a home where memories were made and family always mattered most. She was an unforgettable force of nature.

Judy is survived by her beloved husband of 62 years, Joseph Ernest Chancellor, her three children, Carmen Chancellor, Candice Chancellor, Scott Chancellor; her two sons-in-law, Andrew McCutcheon, Alan Sadowski; her five grandchildren, Garland McCutcheon, Clayton McCutcheon, Tyler Sadowski, Parker Sadowski, Golda Chancellor: and her great-grandson, Foster Sadowski.

She leaves behind a family who will miss a thousand little things: the sound of her voice, her laughter from across the room, her beautiful smile, her impeccable style, her love of jewelry and accessories, her seasonal decorating, and simply knowing that she was there.

We don’t know how to live in a world without her.

But we know how to carry her with us.

We will carry her in the way we love our families, in the beauty we create in our homes, in the laughter we share around the dinner table, and in every moment when we choose to make life a little more special.

She taught us that elegance is not merely how you look—it is how you make people feel. And Judy made people feel loved.

She was beautiful. She was gracious. She was glamorous. She was ageless. She was a true Southern belle.

She was our mother, our grandmother, our great-grandmother, and the heart of our family.

She was our goddess. And she will be loved, remembered, and missed for generations to come.  

Until we meet again, Judy Marie.

Bartlett-Heritage is honored to serve the family of Judy Chancellor; (901) 372-5555