Judy Parker

Judy Ann Parker, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed away peacefully on September 5, 2025, in Cedar City, Utah, at the age of 85.
She was born Judith Ann Stevens on August 7, 1940, in Melrose Park (a suburb of Chicago), Illinois, to Arnold and Dorthy Johnson. Growing up in a Navy family, Judy’s childhood was marked by frequent moves that shaped her adaptability and love of meeting new people.

After marrying the love of her life, Grant Parker, Judy and Grant began their married life in Long Beach, California, later settling in Los Alamitos, California, where they made their home for more than 50 years and raised their family. Judy and Grant’s enduring love story began when her sister Nancy introduced them on a double date when Judy was just 14 years old — a meeting that blossomed into a lifelong, loving partnership of over six decades.

Judy graduated from Long Beach Polytechnic High School with honors and an A average and devoted her life to creating a warm, loving home and supporting her family. Her home was always immaculate, filled with beauty, and ready to welcome anyone in need of a hug, a prayer, or encouragement.

Judy loved her backyard garden and took joy in tending to her flowers. She had a special affection for animals, especially dogs, and delighted in the doves that built their nest each spring in her yard. A creative and generous spirit, Judy loved shopping for others, giving thoughtful gifts, and decorating for every season. Christmas was her favorite time of year — she and Grant often won the Los Alamitos City Neighborhood Decorating Contest for their festive displays.

She enjoyed traveling, whether accompanying Grant on work trips throughout Europe or visiting her grandchildren. Judy also loved attending television tapings at Disneyland with her daughter Rhonda, including one memorable anniversary when she and Grant met Stevie Wonder, who serenaded them in celebration of their marriage.

Judy’s life was transformed through the love and faith of her neighbors, George and Ruth Santa, who began a neighborhood Bible study in their home. Through their influence and her own searching heart, Judy accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior in 1972, beginning a lifelong walk of faith that defined her life.

Judy was an active member of Arbor Road Church in Long Beach for over 40 years and taught Sunday School for more than four decades, beginning when her daughter Denise was in third grade. She also served as a Bible Study Fellowship leader, studied her Bible daily, and was known for her joyful worship and steadfast prayer life — it was often said that Judy had a “hotline to God.” Her boldness in sharing her faith and her compassion for others deeply impacted everyone she met.

Those who knew Judy describe her as beautiful, creative, empathetic, generous, and loving. What mattered most to her was her relationship with God, her family, and her friends. Her life was a radiant example of faith lived out through love and service.

Judy is survived by her devoted husband Grant Parker; her children Rhonda Parker-Nagle (Jon), Denise Waller (Bill), and John Parker (Melissa); and her cherished grandchildren Matt Hays, Rhett Hays (Bridgette), Nick Nagle (Amanda), Chris Nagle (Marisa), Ali Nagle, Tori Nagle, Rachel Waller, Chloe Waller, Claire Bogue, Carson Bogue, and Audrey Parker; and great-grandchildren Hunter, Hailey, and Emma Nagle. She is also survived by her younger brother Don Johnson (Mary). She was preceded in death by her parents, Arnold and Dorthy Johnson, and her siblings, Bob Stevens and Nancy Stamper.

A graveside service for Judy and her immediate family was held on September 11, 2025, in Cedar City, Utah. Grant lives just three minutes from the cemetery and visits her each morning and evening, spending time in prayer and conversation with the love of his life.

A Celebration of Life Service will be held at Arbor Road Church in Long Beach, California, on Saturday, November 22, 2025, at 11:00 a.m.

Judy was truly an earthly angel, beautiful to behold inside and out.
She loved and served God, family, and friends. She is now a heavenly saint, praising and worshiping God with her hands held high.
We love her and miss her. All of us!!