It is with heavy hearts that we announce the passing of Judy Penick, she departed this world for her Heavenly home on February 19, 2025, at the age of 79. Judy was a beloved mother, grandmother, aunt, and friend, known for her unwavering kindness and service to others. Born on February 2, 1946, in Maysville, Oklahoma, Judy was the daughter of William Lee "Jake" and Eunice Mae (Adams) Penick. Judy married Gilbert Odell Sawyer in 1968 in Durant, OK. Judy earned her GED in 1982 and began a career in the Dietary Departments at the Atoka Nursing Homes, Atoka Memorial Hospital and Howard McLeod Correctional Center, where everyone referred to her as Ms. Judy.  Judy took great pride in her work and earned many certifications in the dietary field.  She enjoyed serving others by preparing nutritious meals for all those in her care.  Judy was a devoted Christian and a loving mother to Anita Hall and husband Bob, Randy Sawyer and wife Tammy, Terry Sawyer and wife Shelly, Jerry Sawyer and wife Staci, Sandra Banks and husband Ed, and Gary Dale Sawyer.  Judy also raised two of her grandsons, Gary Don and Larry Walton, she thought of them as her own children, and they always held a special place in her heart, and her eyes lit up at the mention of their names.  Judy had six additional grandchildren Ryan Sawyer, Kevin Sawyer, Jessica Cook, Jeffrey Sawyer, and Cassandra Nygren and 12 Great Grandchildren: Dylan Walton, Amy Walton, Kimberly Cooksey, Keagan Walton, Kaden Walton, Madden Sawyer, Hayden Sawyer, Surrey Sawyer, Anslee Cook, Hunter Sawyer, Kaden Sawyer, and Emberlin Amiott.  Judy had two great-great grandsons, Cross and Casey Cooksey.   Judy was also known as Aunt Judy to many nieces and nephews.
Judy was preceded in death by her parents Jake and Eunice Penick, siblings Pete Penick, Lucille Hicks, Bertie Duke, Roy "Junior" Penick, Cecil Penick, Maybelle Moore, Marie Landsdale, Vernon Penick, Almeta Bicknell, Lewis Penick, Orville Penick, and Terry Penick, former husband Gilbert Sawyer, daughter Anita Hall and infant son Gary Dale Sawyer, daughter-in-law Tammy Sawyer, and son-in-law Ed Banks.
Judy cherished every moment spent with her loved ones. She enjoyed sewing and was often found making quilts or baby blankets for those she loved.Judy was a source of inspiration and hope as she battled Dementia.  Although she had hard days, we learned there is one thing dementia cannot take away, and that is love.  Love is not a memory; it is an action and a feeling that resides in your heart and soul.  Judy's heart and soul was full of love, even on those hard days. Judy's legacy is one of love, compassion, and resilience.  She taught us the true meaning of kindness and the importance of cherishing every moment. Though she is no longer with us, her memory lives in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.

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DATE OF MEMORIAL SERVICES: 10:00 AM Monday, February 24th, 2025
PLACE OF MEMORIAL SERVICES: Wapanucka Church of Christ, Wapanucka, Oklahoma
OFFICIATING: Bro. Wendell Ingram

HONORARY CASKETBEARERS: Gary Walton, Larry Walton, Ryan Sawyer, Kevin Sawyer, Jeffrey Sawyer

CONDOLENCES MAY BE SENT TO THE FAMILY BY EMAIL TO: BROWNS@ATOKA.NET.  PLEASE REFERENCE THE NAME OF THE DECEASED IN YOUR CORRESPONDENCE
FAMILY NIGHT IS SUNDAY 6-8PM

SERVICES UNDER THE DIRECTION OF
BROWN'S FUNERAL SERVICE - ATOKA, OK