Judy Ellen Brown Cook, 67, of Lexington, VA, passed away Friday, February 18, 2011, at the University of Virginia Medical Center, from complications in connection with lymphoma.

Born in Danville, VA to Hattie Winters Brown and the late James Sherman Brown, Judy graduated from George Washington High School in Danville and received her nursing degree from Dabney S. Lancaster Community College, in Clifton Forge, VA.

Judy began her professional career as a registered nurse in 1978 and worked as a psychiatric nurse for Western State Hospital in Staunton, VA, for 19 years, before retiring in 2002. Judy continued her calling of caring for others at Augusta Health in Fishersville, VA, where she worked as a nurse in its Crossroads unit for 22 years, until December.

Judy sang in the choirs of the several churches she attended throughout her life and passed along her strong faith in God and her love for music to her children and grandchildren. She was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, daughter, sister, and friend.

Judy also loved animals, and brought numerous ones "home" over her lifetime, including her current Marley and Maddie. Another of Judy's loves was the beach, especially the Outer Banks, where she spent many wonderful vacations with her family. Judy touched so many lives through her generous, kind, and loving spirit, and her unwavering spirit was an inspiration, especially during her illness.

Judy is survived by her loving husband, Curtiss E. Cook of Lexington, VA; three daughters, Sarah C. Hayslette of Whispering Pines, NC; Caroline C. Law and her husband, Brian, of Stuarts Draft, VA; and Elizabeth Cook-Riddle and her husband, Sean, of Verona, VA; eight grandchildren, Jarrod and Peyton Hayslette of Whispering Pines, NC, Joel Gunn, Jordan Brown, and Jude Law of Stuarts Draft, VA, Hannah Cook and her fiance, Sean Bademian, of Virginia Beach, VA; and Emma and Abby Riddle of Verona, VA; her mother, Hattie W. Brown of Richmond, VA; sister, Pamela B. Beckner and her husband, John O. Beckner of Richmond, VA; nieces, Stacy E. Hall of Dallastown, PA, and Rachel and Laura Beckner of Richmond, VA; nephews, David W. Hall of Scottsdale, AZ, and James O. (Jay) Beckner of Atlanta, GA; and brother-in law, W. Randall Hall of Scottsdale, AZ.

Judy was predeceased by her father, James S. Brown, her sister, Gerry B. Hall, and her nephew, W. Randy Hall.

The family will receive friends on Thursday, February 24, 2011, from 6 to 8 p.m. at Harrison Funeral Home, 714 South Main Street, Lexington, VA. A graveside service will be conducted Friday, February 25, 2011 at 3 p.m. at Stonewall Jackson Cemetery. A memorial service and celebration of Judy's life will be conducted on Saturday, February 26, 2011, at 3 p.m. at Bethany United Methodist Church, 3700 Lee Highway, Weyers Cave, VA.

A reception will be held at the church following the service.

Arrangements are being handled by Harrison Funeral Home & Crematory, Lexington, VA.