Judy Plummer, 68, of Annapolis, IL, passed away peacefully on October 2, 2024, in the embrace of her daughter’s home, surrounded by the love she spent her entire life pouring into others. Her final moments were filled with the warmth and comfort of a family that she cherished beyond words—a reflection of the tenderness and care she gave so freely throughout her beautiful life.
Born on November 4, 1955, in Lawrenceville, IL, Judy was the youngest of eight children to Wilbur and Dorothy (Kent) Dunlap. From the time she could walk, Judy sought out adventure and wonder in the world around her. Whether it was wandering through the woods, rescuing injured animals, or sketching horses—the animals that captured her heart—Judy saw beauty in every corner of nature. Perhaps her fondest childhood memory was of the day her father surprised her with Jack, an Asian donkey he brought home from an auction. The two became inseparable, exploring the countryside together, forging memories Judy held close for a lifetime. These moments shaped her into a woman who knew how to find joy in the simplest of things—joy that she passed on to everyone blessed to know her.
Judy’s path was not always easy, but her resilience was unwavering. She grew up learning the value of hard work, putting herself through college at Lincoln Trail, where she studied secretarial work. Though she once dreamed of becoming a veterinarian, Judy discovered that her true vocation was as a mother to her children, Alisha and Lance. Every dream she once had was fulfilled in the pride she took in their accomplishments and in the deep, unbreakable bond they shared. Her daughter Alisha, a compassionate nurse and devoted mother, and her son Lance, who inherited her love for animals and nature, embodied the very best of who Judy was. She admired their tender hearts, their kindness toward others, and found in them her greatest treasures.
Judy’s joy also bloomed in the garden, where she nurtured vibrant black-eyed Susans, sunflowers, and purple coneflowers. She found solace in the earth and in the flowers that grew under her loving hands. And though her love for horses remained a lifelong passion, it was her bond with all creatures that spoke to the compassion she carried in her heart. Judy’s love was larger than life. Whether it was offering a meal, a listening ear, or a place to call home, Judy was always there. Yet despite her tenderness, she was fiercely strong—there was no mistaking her when she stood her ground. And while she could handle anything life threw at her, she never lost her softness or her ability to make others feel cared for.
Holidays were another chance for Judy to fill her home with love, joy, and beauty. Easter was her favorite—her home a delightful display of vibrant decorations, each carefully placed to brighten the season for her loved ones. She would cook up feasts for her family, making sure that every birthday and gathering was a celebration of life’s simple pleasures. Blackberry cobbler for Lance, lasagna for Alisha—each meal was a token of her affection, as if through food, she could pour her heart into every bite. Her creativity was also expressed through drawing and painting—capturing the world she so loved, particularly the animals she admired most. Every brushstroke was an extension of her care for the world around her, from the barns that dotted the countryside to the horses that galloped through her imagination.
Whether walking through the woods, picking wildflowers, mushroom hunting, or even fishing, Judy was always connected to the earth and to her Creator, seeing His handiwork in every sunrise, every blossom, and every seashell collected during her trips to the Florida coast. Her frequent visits to the beach, with its sun, sand, and seafood, filled her with joy and became a place where she could rest and reflect on life’s blessings. Back home, she found community and strength at Prairie Grove Baptist Church, where she came to know the life-changing peace that surpasses even the most brilliant sunset.
As we say goodbye for now, we are reminded that just as the sun sets beyond the horizon, its light never truly fades—it merely moves out of view. So it is with Judy. Though we can no longer see her, she is not gone. She is simply beyond our sight, waiting for us on the other side, where her warmth and love will one day greet us once again.
Judy is survived by her daughter, Alisha Bruner & T.J. Miller; her son, Lance Plummer; her beloved grandchildren, Kaden and Jax; her sister & brother-in-law, Alice & Kenny Coonce; her sister-in-law, Tonja Dunlap; her brothers-in-law, Ed Collins and Gary Matheney; her former husband, Randy Plummer; her fiancé, Jim Ridgeway; and her close family friend and “daughter,” Shawnia Bridgewater. She also leaves behind numerous nieces, nephews, and cherished friends who will forever hold her memory close. She was preceded in death by her parents, Wilbur & Dorothy; her brother, Harold Dunlap; and her sisters, Juanita Brown, Deloris (Lora) Keys-French, Arlene Matheney, Mary Kathryn Collins, and Betty Agan.
A visitation will be held from 11:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m. on Friday, October 11th, at the Goodwine Funeral Home in Flat Rock, followed by a service celebrating Judy’s life at 1:00 p.m. She will be laid to rest in Jones Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to support the family during this time. Donations can be made payable to “Alisha Bruner,” and envelopes will be available at the funeral home. For more information, or to share a memory or condolence online, please visit www.goodwinefuneralhomes.com
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