Judy Houston obituary – Knoxville

Judy Angelica Houston (nee Martin) of Chicago, Illinois passed away on Wednesday, June 12, 2024 at the age of 64 at the University of Tennessee Hospital in Knoxville, Tennessee. Beloved wife of Kevin of 37 years; devoted mother of Brendan (Stacey) and Timothy, daughter of the late Ruben Martin and Angeles Martin (née Morelieras); beloved sister of Ruben Martin (Argelia), devoted niece of Maria Elena (Nena) Humphrey (late Edward), beloved granddaughter of Clara Elena Morelieras (Abue), dear cousin of the Humphrey family and sister-in-law of Mary Elizabeth Swibes (Donald) and John Houston (Doha).

Judy, born December 30, 1959, grew up in the Heart of Chicago neighborhood at 18th & Damen in Chicago and later earned a Doctor of Pharmacy degree (and her GED that same summer!) from the University of Illinois. She spent her entire 35-year career as a pharmacist at Walgreen’s. Judy and Kevin were married in 1987 in Chicago and raised their family on the city’s northwest side. Four years ago today, Judy and Kevin moved to Lenoir City, Tennessee, where they are enjoying their retirement.

Judy’s greatest gift to others was her selflessness, a result of her unconditional love for her family and friends. Always putting the needs of others before her own, Judy’s boundless capacity for love manifested itself as an ever-present caretaker of the family, guardian of the home, confidante of friends, and valued colleague of co-workers. Among her passions and hobbies, Judy enjoyed traveling, looking for the next new recipe to make or shopping, tending to her garden, and ending the day with a glass of wine at home with her husband. Judy is irreplaceable and will be greatly missed by all who knew her. May his memory be a blessing.

A memorial for Judy will be held in Chicago at a later date to be determined.

Funeral arrangements handled by Click Funeral Home, Farragut, TN.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made in Judy’s name to the UT Medical Center, Office of Philanthropy, 2121 Medical Center Way, Suite 110, Knoxville, TN 37920.

Funeral services will be held Tuesday, June 18 at 11 a.m. at St. John Neumann Catholic Church, 633 St John Ct, Knoxville, TN 37934. Visitation will be at 10 a.m.