Valdosta, GA - Judith Ann Slye age 78 of Valdosta, Georgia passed away April 11, 2025 at Lansdale Hospice House after a long struggle with Polio.

She was born September 24, 1946 in Indianapolis, Indiana to Rosa and Ralph Irelan.

Growing up in Indianapolis she graduated from Southport High School. While attending high school she contracted polio, which led to a lifelong struggle battling the disease. She received her CNA certificate from Ivy Technical College after high school.

She met and married Carl Slye August 4, 1967 in Indianapolis, Indiana. Carl joined the Air Force shortly after the wedding. Judy lived in several states during their 57 years of marriage. Judy retired from Winn Dixie when she could no longer work full time.

In 2001 the Slye's moved to Valdosta, Georgia when Carl was assigned to Moody Air Force Base. She was a devoted homemaker and a devoted wife. She attended Bemiss United Methodist Church, serving as a Sunday school teacher and sang in the Praise team for many years. She was involved in Hungry At Home and several outreach ministries feeding the hungry. She was devoted to her church and God.

Judy led a Christian life from an early age. She believed in miracles; as her life was one miracle after another. She was an inspiration to all who met her as she dealt with the aftereffects of polio.

Survivors include her husband, Carl; one daughter, Tracey Ann Slye, living in Florida, and a son, Paul Andrew Slye and his wife, Melissa, living in Virginia and two grandchildren, Madison Slye Llave and her husband, Matthew, living in Utah and Leila Slye,living in Virginia, and one great grandchild, Mason Slye Llave living in Utah.

She is survived by sister Susie Need and her husband Paul; sister Donna Alvey and her husband Bob; sister Roxane Trent and her husband Steve, and brother Rex Irelan and his wife Wanda and numerous nieces and nephews living in Indiana.

She is preceded in death by brothers Ralph Irelan ,Jr., Bob Irelan, Dale Irelan, and David Irelan.

There will be no funeral as Judy donated her body to medical

research.

There will be a Celebration of Life June 14, 2025 at 11:00 AM at Bemiss United Methodist Church , 4879 Bemiss Road, Valdosta, Georgia 31605.

A special thanks to Dr. Bruce Herrington of Lakeland, Florida for his special care over the years.

I would like to thank South Georgia Medical ICU unit for the loving care shown by the doctors and nurses.

Contributions may be made to the Second Harvest Of South Georgia, Food Bank through Bemiss United Methodist Church at bemissumc.org