Judith 'Judy' Cline

Judith “Judy” Ann Harwell Cline was born to Wm A. “Lonnie” and Lessie M. Thompson Harwell at Poplar Bluff Hospital on Sept. 4, 1944. Dec. 28, 2019, Judy died at Saint Francis Hospital in Cape Girardeau, from complications of COPD.

She is survived by her children, Gracan Montpetit (Tracy) of Haverhill, Mass., Tracy Danielle Lemon Cline Seeger of Poplar Bluff. Stacey Cline Brown (John) of Jackson, Mo., Joe Cline (Teresa) of Poplar Bluff; her grandchildren, Judith Montpetit of Boston, Mass., Joshua Allen Seeger Montpetit of Kansas City, Trey L. Montpetit (Kelleyann) of Haverhill, Mass., Jacob Montpetit of Framingham, Mass., Aubrey Brown and Kendyll Brown of Jackson, Mo., Sean and Ryan Cline of Poplar Bluff.

She is also survived by her brother, Bill Harwell (Juanita), of Poplar Bluff; her sister-in-law, Betty Harwell of Poplar Bluff; loving nephews and nieces and numerous extended family members. Her adopted sister, Maggie Daricek of Red Bluff, Calif. and her family also survive.

She was preceded in death by her brother, Ronnie Harwell; their parents, Lonnie and Lessie Harwell and by her true love, Robert “Bob” Cline.

Growing up, Judy was ahead of her time. She was one of only two female students in her drafting class at Mountain View High School in Mountain View, Calif. During high school, she lettered in Archery and sang beautifully in high school talent shows. As an adult, she loved singing to her children and grandchildren. Judy’s passions included traveling, cooking, music, golf, and boating. There is no question that she most enjoyed time with her children, grandchildren, and her brothers and their families.

Throughout her career in banking, she was very active with the local chamber of commerce. Judy held strong values; among them were supporting local business, promoting equality for all and showing compassion and respect for others. She also believed in action which guided her involvement in many groups sharing these same values such as the Disability Housing Board; the Veterans Wall Committee, the Lions club, the NAACP, as well as many others.

Judy taught her loved ones the following life lessons: The proper way to set a table; Clean the baseboards; A raised eyebrow is an effective means of communication; Good music is important; Chew with your mouth closed; Defend the defenseless; No one can take your trust; you have to give it; Never let a man demean by calling you “honey”, “sweetie”, or “sugar”; Put your napkin in your lap; “Behind the at” aka, never end a sentence with a preposition; Brew the coffee strong; Just because you’re poor doesn’t mean you have to be dirty (and “Grandma never let us look dirty.”); Love your family fiercely and without conditions.

Two days before she passed, Judy lamented at the thought of not being here to vote in the 2020 Presidential election against Trump. In lieu of flowers, please register to vote in your upcoming local, state, and federal elections or make a donation to the NAACP.

The visitation will begin at 1 p.m. Tuesday at Cotrell Funeral chapel. The funeral service will follow at 2 p.m. in the funeral home chapel with Laddie Cross as speaker. Interment will be the Poplar Bluff City Cemetery.

Cotrell Funeral Service is honored to serve the family of Judith Ann Harwell Cline; online condolences may be expressed at www.cotrellfuneralservice.com.

Paid