Judy S. Dempsey

Mrs. Judy Ann Stanley Dempsey, wife of devoted and loving husband, Gerald Dempsey of Varnville, SC passed through the Gates of Heaven on May 4, 2026 after an extended illness. Mrs. Dempsey, born November 22, 1947, was the daughter of the late Donald and Eunice Stanley of Grays, SC.

Affectionately known as "Mrs. Judy", "Judy", "Momma" and later "Gramma Judy" by those who knew and loved her best, Mrs. Dempsey worked for, and retired from, the Hampton County School System after over 30 years of service as substitute teacher, teacher's aide, bookkeeper and Secretary to the Principal at Hampton Elementary School.

In her youth, Mrs. Dempsey played basketball for Grays High School and continued her love of sports playing Women's Softball for Sand Hill Baptist Church as well as Town and Country.

Mrs. Dempsey had a heart and smile that were as big as her spirit. A dedicated member of her church, she truly loved people and sought out every opportunity to be in their company. Whether she was tending her yard or encouraging her team on the softball field, her presence brought warmth and happiness to everyone around her.

She was well known for the kindness she spread in many ways but through her baking in particular. Her kitchen was a constant source of delicious scents and it produced the peanut butter cookies and banana bread that her friends and loved ones cherished. While her pound cake was truly world-famous, it was the love she baked into every slice that made it special. Her family was her greatest joy, and she spent her life making sure they knew they were loved "more than anything."

While the hearts of her family and friends are heavy with her passing, the knowledge of her deep and unwavering faith gives reassurance that they will eventually be reunited with her.

In addition to her husband of 58 years, Mrs. Dempsey is survived by one son, Aubrey Dempsey of Varnville, SC and one daughter, Kelly Dempsey Boswell (Stuart) of Sylvania, GA; Six adoring and dearly loved grandchildren: Cameron Dempsey [Denver, CO], Morgan Boswell Brown (Kyle) [Monroe, GA], Caitlin Dempsey [Waynesboro, GA], Mallorie Boswell Greenway (Parker) [Savannah, GA], Thad Dempsey [Hampton, SC] and Logan Boswell [San Antonio, TX]; & Four great grandchildren: Ellie Grace, Charlee and Ruthie Brown, and Julia Greenway.

Mrs. Dempsey is also survived by three siblings: Vernon Stanley [Grays, SC], Freda Miles [Grays, SC] and Marshall Stanley (Rosie) [Ladson, SC], and numerous nieces and nephews. In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her oldest brother Landy Stanley and foster brother Joe McKenzie.

The family would like to share our sincere gratitude to the team at Agape Hospice of South Carolina for their incredible support. We hold a special place in our hearts for Adrienne and Robin as well as her special friend and caregiver Linda. Their kindness and compassion went above and beyond. There are no words to adequately describe how much your professional and loving care meant to us and to the one we all loved so dearly.

Funeral Services will be 11 AM Thursday, May 7, 2026, in the Sand Hill Baptist Church located at 15480 Pocotaligo Rd., Varnville, SC 29944, conducted by Rev. Dr. Thomas H. Kelly, Jr.. Burial will follow in the Sand Hill Cemetery.

Visitation will begin at 10 AM and last until the hour of the service in the church sanctuary.

In lieu of flowers or other tributes, the family requests donations be made to:

Agape Hospice of South Carolina, 4 Grober Hill Road Beaufort, SC 29906 or the Sand Hill Church Cemetery Fund, c/o Margaret Mathis, 303 Crooked Creek Road Hampton, SC 29924.

Peeples-Rhoden Funeral Home is assisting the Dempsey family during this time.