Judy Ross
Judy Ross is a sagely breath of art, vitality and wit. Even as a young girl, she could feel the emotions of flowers. At 8 years old, she caught the bus from Cabin Creek to Charleston to hear the symphony and take music classes. "We all owe life one death," she says. "So it must be okay, it is part of the plan. That's not the tragedy; the tragedy is a life not well lived."
In 1993, Judy joined the Museum in the Community board when she moved to Hurricane. She volunteers for everything, from making hors d'oeuvres and selling tickets to teaching children art classes and fundraising. Now, Judy is leaving the board to give a new generation a chance to make their own impact.
Judy has a natural ability to see humor where others can't. She's a prankster with an outrageous sense of humor, the catalyst that makes the setbacks of life bearable. She even found laughter in the terminal cancer she was diagnosed with in her 40s. Defying insurmountable odds, she beat it and uses her experience to counsel other cancer patients. Scores of people are now affected by her life because of breast cancer. It taught her mortality, acceptance and the value of each moment.
"I feel like I'm in the third act of my life now," she explains. "Life has gotten so simple. I wish I had known these lessons earlier, but I'm glad I've learned them now, so the last chapter is really good.I am a woman of a great deal of common sense and courage. And sometimes that's enough."
Of all her travels, professions and trials, her most incredible journey was helping her brother secure a life of independence. Jack, crippled and mentally challenged, was dependant on others his entire life until Judy stepped in. When their mother died and Judy fought for her own life, Jack needed to become selfsupporting. "We built up his confidence.
Within 14 months, he got his first apartment, job and girlfriend, and learned to ride buses. It's a little love story. Jack didn't say a lot but he had a smile that could break your heart."
Like Jack, Judy has been a positive force in many lives. Neighbors and strangers are attracted to her Hurricane garden, in all its beauty and tranquility. People confide in her their most trying stories. All she has to say is, "Hey, how are you doing?" and they pour out their souls.
