Judith Marie Southern Brusseau, 82, of Christiansburg, passed away Aug. 12, 2024.
Judy was born Aug. 22, 1942, to Henry Blair Southern and Juanita Lily Price of Blacksburg. She grew up in Toms Creek with her two sisters and two brothers. Judy completed her education at Blacksburg High School. After graduation she moved to Florida where she met her husband of 33 years, Elliot “Rusty” Foster Brusseau Sr. Together they made their home in Goffstown, New Hampshire with their eight children. In 1972 they moved to Virginia where they opened their business Master Upholstery and Refinishing.
Judy enjoyed living a simple life gardening, canning, making preserves, and quilting. She loved passing these skills down to her many grandchildren. On most weekends you would find Rusty and Judy camping, fishing, or at a Bluegrass Festival surrounded by family. After the passing of her husband in 1998, her true independence and strong spirit continued on. She immersed herself in the lives of her children, grandchildren and family. From camping, Saturdays at the lake, girls’ trips to Nashville, and family vacations at Holden Beach, she lived a full and happy life surrounded by the people she loved.
Judy is survived by her siblings Darlene Southern Vaden of Blacksburg, Larry Southern (Betty Southern) of Eggleston and Wanda Southern Geske (Rob Geske) of North Carolina; and children and stepchildren Richard Brusseau, Frederick Wayne Brusseau (Joyce Brusseau), Harold Everett Brusseau, Deborah Brusseau Hale (Walter Hale), and Melanie Brusseau (Brian Bell). Together Judy and Rusty are survived by 22 grandchildren, 35 great grandchildren, 11 great-great grandchildren, two soon to be born great grandsons, and special family friends Margret Crigger, Allison Crigger DePoy, and Peggy Williams.
She was preceded in death by her husband Elliot Foster Brusseau, Sr.; parents Henry Blair Southern and Juanita Lily Southern; father and mother-in-law Harold Everett Brusseau, Sr. and Hazel Williams Brusseau; grandparents John Wesley Southern and Grace Mae Southern; grandparents Cloyd Palmer Price and Maude Beulah Price; brother and sister in law Phillip Dale Southern and Barbara Williams Southern; stepson Elliot Foster Brusseau, Jr., stepson Gary Lee Brusseau; and stepdaughter Audrey Elizabeth Riley Brusseau.
Funeral services were held Wednesday, Aug. 14, 2024 at 11 a.m. in the McCoy Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. John Hopkins officiating. Burial will follow in the North Fork Baptist Church Cemetery, Ellett.
