Judith Lynn Jessup's Obituary
Judith Lynn Jessup, age 86, of Harsens Island, passed away April 9, 2024. She was born April 28, 1937 to the late John M. and Margaret E. Crandall of Washington DC.
Judy grew up in Washington DC with many aunts, uncles and cousins who were very close and enjoyed summers at the beach in Fair Haven, Maryland. When her father retired from the Army, they moved to Harsens Island, Michigan to a dairy farm when she was 14 years old. Judy learned to operate heavy equipment while working for Jack Rattray filling in the marshy areas of the island.
Judy played drum for the Algonac High School Marching Band and graduated from Algonac High School in 1955.
In 1956 Judy married Vernon Jessup in Algonac and raised 3 children; Lynda (David) Kovach, Diana (John) Morrison and Rodney (Cheri) Jessup. She also was blessed with 7 grandchildren, John (Merri) Morrison, Leslie (Joseph) Fausone, Jessica Dietlin (James McDiarmid), Megan (Dan) Richter, Judith (Kathrine) Kovach-Zukin, Rodney Jessup (Angela Prize) and Victoria (Jacob) Schaub; 11 great grandchildren, Amy, Amanda, Joey, Mason, Hannah, Emmalyn, Grayson, Quinn, Ryder, Aria, Layla, Graham, Dylan and Cole and 4 great great grandchildren, Cullen, Caden, Declan, and Willow. Judy adored her family, they were the most important part of her life.
Judy also enjoyed farming, trapping and traveling. She was a past Senior Warden of St. Paul’s Church, Harsens Island and was actively involved with the Harsens Island Historical Society.
During her working years, Judy was a bus driver, delivered newspapers and phone books, was a census taker, rolled fishing rods and also worked in a factory. She received her associates degree in nursing from SC4, her Bachelor of Science degree at St. Joseph’s College and her Masters in Health Care Administration from Loma Linda University.
She worked at Harper Hospital in Detroit, Mt. Clemens General, River District Hospital and Faith Medical as Assistant Director of Nurses. Judy also co-founded Harbor Health Home Care in Marine City.
Judy is preceded in death by her parents, her husband of 50 years, Vernon Jessup; her brother, John Crandall and her loving companion of 7 years, John G. Cameron.
In addition to her children and grandchildren Judy is also survived by her sisters, Donna Krispin of HI, Jacqueline Pilkington of Zephyrhills, FL and brother, Robert Crandall of Capac, as well as many much loved nieces, nephews and cousins.
A Memorial Service will be held Saturday, May 18th at 11:00 a.m. at St. Paul’s Protestant Church, Harsens Island. Visitation hours are Friday, May 17th from 2:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Young-Gilbert Funeral Home, Algonac and Saturday 10:00 to 11:00 a.m. at church prior to service.
Memorials are suggested to: St. Paul’s Protestant Church or the Alzheimer’s Association. To leave a message of comfort visit www.younggilbertfuneralhome.com
What’s your fondest memory of Judith?
What’s a lesson you learned from Judith?
Share a story where Judith's kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Judith you’ll never forget.
How did Judith make you smile?