Obituary of Judith Bird Wolcott

Retired guidance counselor Judy Wolcott’s love of life didn’t come to an end with her death. Judy, of Forest passed away on Feb 26, 2022 at the age of 74 after a courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by loved ones who will continue to honor her legacy by living their lives to the fullest. Judy completed her Bachelor’s degree at Radford University. She began her teaching career at Graham High School in Bluefield, but soon moved to Forest where she continued her career, as a guidance counselor at Liberty High School. Judy developed life-long friendships at Liberty. Upon retiring, Judy served as a Longaberger consultant and became active in the Bedford Professional Women’s Organization, where she created even more cherished friendships. It has been a joy listening to her friends recount silly stories. The simplest things in life brought happiness to Judy. She loved meeting neighbors and friends for meals, especially her breakfasts at the Koffee Kup and monthly dinner dates with close friends she developed through her children and rec sports. Judy was an avid reader, lover of history, crosswords, the OBX, VT Hokies, fancy purses, lipstick and nail polish. She was also known to bring some mean, store-bought cookies to gatherings. Judy cherished her children, never missing their activities growing up. She was a fierce advocate of Ann, Tommy and her grandchildren, Evan, Connor and Katie. She was their "Bebe" and she spoiled them every chance she had. She incessantly bragged on her “beautiful babies” to everyone and anyone who would listen. Judy was born to Woodrow and Elizabeth Bird on August 25, 1947. She was also preceded in death by her wonderful husband, Tom and a sister, Janet Miller of Bland. She is survived by her daughter, Ann Britton (Jon) and son, Thomas Gary Wolcott Jr. both of Forest, brothers, Danny Bird and George Bird of Wytheville, two grandsons, Evan and Connor Britton (Forest); a granddaughter, Katie Jessen (Forest), and several beloved nieces and nephews. If you would like to send a memorial donation in lieu of flowers, the family suggest donations to be made to: Friends of Campbell County Animal Control, 322 Dennis Riddle Dr., Rustburg, VA 24588 or Bedford Central Library, 321 N Bridge Street, Bedford VA 24523. The family will receive friends Tuesday, March 1 from 4:30-7 p.m. at Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service in Bedford. A graveside service will be Wednesday, March 2, 2022 at 11:00 at West End Cemetery in Wytheville. Please join the family in honoring Judy at a celebration of life gathering March 13 from 4 until 7 PM at Lake Vista Country Club, 200 Lake Vista Dr., Forest, VA. Arrangements are being handled by Updike Funeral Home & Cremation Service, Bedford.