Judith Ann Halley began a new life in her eternal home with Jesus her Savior and King on October 20, 2026. Her years of life on earth were full of using her hands for God’s glory, her mind to learn and teach, and most of all her heart to touch others. Her smile, laugh, wink, and “open ready to hug” arms were known characteristics by many and thus many knew her as “Mama Judy”.

Judy was born on June 30, 1940, in Tecumseh, Michigan and was the only child of Winford and Rena Allen. From kindergarten to eighth grade, she attended a one room schoolhouse. Her mother watched as she walked to the corner to make sure she was safe. Her father took her to buy chocolate covered peanuts at the five and dime store. With no siblings, Judy became very close to her cousins and regarded her cousin Sherri as a sister. They shared memories of jumping into the Middle Branch River in the early morning and jumping quickly out shivering and laughing. Cats were also her companions. She loved them like her own children.

On August 12, 1962, Judy married Roger Halley. He encouraged Judy to finish her music studies at Sienna Heights supporting her in what she had started. Judy earned her bachelor’s degree and taught music in public school for some years before starting a family. They resided in Okemos, Michigan for over fifty years. As a wife and mother, Judy embraced homemaking as her most valuable responsibility. Teaching piano lessons joyfully out of their house for 36 years allowed her musical passions to thrive under the same roof.

As active members of East Lansing Trinity church, The Halley's served in various capacities such as Premarital counselors, church college class mentors, and hosts for many gatherings at their home. They also supported Christian Service Brigade unit #1233, and the local Pioneer Girls.

Judy exercised, organized, computed numbers, and always had time for a tea party with anyone. She had hidden talents including hula hooping and hair cutting. She was often on the go wearing tennis shoes, and carrying a water bottle, and peanut M&M’s.

Living with Alzheimer's, with Roger faithfully by her side, music continued to nurture her soul, reminding her of her Heavenly home where she would praise her “Savior all the day long.” Judy is survived by her husband Roger of 64 years, her son David (Michelle) Halley, her daughter Lisa (David) Reed and her son Allen (Tonia) Halley. Though an only child, she was blessed with ten grandchildren, and two great grandsons.

A Funeral Service will be held at River Terrace Church in East Lansing, Michigan on November 14 at 11:00 am. Visitation to be held beginning at 10:15 prior to the service or during a light luncheon immediately after the service. A private committal service will occur at a later time.

In lieu of flowers, the family invites friends to make a donation to support Youth for Christ https://lansingyfc.net/give/ or Focus on the Family https://www.focusonthefamily.com in her honor. The family wishes to express great appreciation to Legacies Assisted Living in Caledonia, MI for their loving care, endearing encouragement, and adoption into a family that Judy truly felt a part of in her last year of life. The family also wants to recognize Optimal Care (primary and hospice) for their careful attention to Mama Judy’s needs.

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life, and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.” Psalm 23: 6

To send a message of sympathy to the family, sign Judith's online guest book, or to share a favorite memory, please visit: www.MichiganCremation.com

Cremation arrangements are entrusted to Michigan Cremation & Funeral Care, Grand Rapids, 616-452-3006.