Judie Alley Rice, 81, of Columbia, passed away peacefully on Saturday, December 23, 2023 at Hospice of Lake Cumberland in Somerset.
She was born September 21, 1942 in Adair County, to the late Wallace J. and Claudia Brown Coomer. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Gid Alley, Jr., a twin sister, Janet Coomer and a brother, Gerald Coomer.
Judie was a beloved educator, falling in the footsteps of her father and grandmother, teaching primarily Junior and Senior English for 34 years in the Adair County School System. She was a member of Trinity Church, serving on many committees during that time. Judie was a leader and sponsored many who pursued a closer walk with God through the Emmaus Walk. Her faith was apparent as she lived her life as an example of the Lord’s servant praying over many people. It has often been said that she had a direct line to God.
Survivors include her husband, Bob Rice of Columbia; her daughter and son-in-law, Cindy and Larry Walker of Columbia; two grandchildren, Natalie and her husband, Neil Goodin of Spring Hill, Tennessee and Wes and his wife, Baylee Walker of Frankfurt, Germany; four great-grandchildren, Alley, Barrett and Walker Goodin and Maeve Walker; two step-daughters, Ashley and her husband, Howard Stephens of Russell Springs and Amberee and her husband, Byron Livers of Columbia; her step-grandchildren, Brooklyn, Braxton (Ella), Brayton and Amani Coomer and Cash and Kelsey Stephens; one brother, Richie Coomer (Sue) of Columbia; a sister-in-law, Cynthia Coomer of Columbia; and three nephews, Neal, Chris and Ben Coomer.
Funeral services were held Thursday, December 28, 2023 at Grissom-Martin Funeral Home with burial in Haven Hill Cemetery. Bro. Steve Pescosolido and Bro. Richie Coomer officiated.
In lieu of flowers, the family would appreciate a donation to Trinity Church, which can be left at the funeral home.
Casket bearers were Wes Walker, Neil Goodin, Chris Coomer, Neal Coomer, Braxton Coomer, Brayton Coomer and Cash Stephens.
Honorary casket bearer was Ben Coomer.
Grissom-Martin Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.
