TUPELO — Tupelo, Mississippi native Judith Ann “Judy” Silas, 71, passed away peacefully in her sleep on June 4, 2026. She grew up in the Wesley United Methodist Church, attended Tupelo High School and married the love of her life, Sam Silas. They spent some years in Florida before moving to New Orleans, the city that would become their home for the rest of their married life. They loved the flavors, the rhythms and the laissez les bons temps rouler spirit of the area. Judy spent most of her career in New Orleans working with Olan Mills Studios. She was a Saints fan and an avid animal lover, especially small dogs. Judy loved family gatherings with a lot of young children, noise and good food.

She was preceded in death by her husband Sam Silas, her father Joe Boyd Woody, Sr., her mother Betty Jean Cooley Woody, a sister Barbara Jean “Babs” Davenport, and two brothers, Joe Boyd Woody, Jr. and Phillip Woody. She is survived by a sister, Ruth Elizabeth “Beth” Varner (Hugh) of Wallingford, Pennsylvania, and a brother Bill Woody (Lori) of Ooltewah, Tennessee. She also leaves behind four nieces, Amelia Snediker (Gerrett) of Wallingford, Pennsylvania, Katie Rapier (Edward) of Covington, Louisiana, Melanie Sykes (Jeff) of Southaven, Mississippi, and Stephanie Woody of Charlotte, North Carolina, three nephews Joe Woody III (Deborah) of Collierville, Tennessee, Chad Davenport, Tupelo, Mississippi and Chris Davenport, Memphis, Tennessee.

A memorial service will be held at 11 AM on the morning of June 20 at Wesley Methodist Church in Tupelo. Holland Funeral Directors is honored to serve the family.