Judith Hu Durrell

Judith Hu Durrell

April 7, 1935 -Aug 8, 2024

Judy was the light and loving matriarch of a large, blended extended family. 

 She loved life, her faith in God and service to others in her community. Heavily involved in the church at the Center of Spiritual Learning (CSL) in Kansas City she served as a Prayer Chaplain. She loved helping people through prayer and affirmations. She had also attended the Unity Church of Overland Park where she was also a Prayer Chaplain. Plus, many years of service at the Silent Unity Prayer Line at Unity Village.

She remained active until her last day, going on daily walks and attending Nia dance classes. She met girlfriends for lunch and had margarita lunch dates with her stepdaughter, Cindy. She loved her KC Chiefs and was a huge fan. She also loved to spoil her two cats, Jamaica and Calypso. Judy was an avid reader, always having a good book close at hand (particularly a good mystery). 

 Judy was born in Vincennes, Indiana to Hubert and Ruth Harbaugh. The older sister to Lynden (Ken) Kirk and David (Beth) Harbaugh. 

 She attended the University of Illinois where she met her first husband, Earl A Carlson at a sorority/fraternity musical production. They wasted no time starting their family of four sons, Andrew (Lauren), Brian, Eric (Nita), Matthew (Alane). Before settling in Mount Prospect, Il to raise their family they lived for short stints in Hawaii and Sweden. It was quite an adventure, one that provided opportunities to travel and broaden the boys’ horizons. Judy was incredibly proud of her sons, their individual families and the lives that they had made for themselves. 

 Judy was especially proud of her three grandchildren, Karina, Noelle and Declan Carlson. Both Karina and Noelle, daughters of her eldest son Andrew and his first wife, Carmen Perez, are engaged to be married in the coming months to Isaac and Alex respectively. Judy was eagerly anticipating their nuptials. Karina and Noelle had a standing Sunday afternoon phone call with their grandma. Everyone knew she was not to be disturbed. The only thing that might move one of those calls would be a Chiefs game. 

 Declan Carlson, son to her youngest son, Matt is a sophomore in college and studying to be a Mechanical Engineer. Declan had been actively keeping his “Mom Mom Judy” abreast of all of his projects. She was always keen to listen to him talk about his next 3D printed project or even attempt to play a video game with him. When Declan was little Judy was no stranger to getting in the sandbox, playing a little basketball or running around the playground with him. Must have been that boy mom energy. 

 Judy moved to Kansas City, MO and found herself having a second act in life when she met her husband, Jerry Durrell at the same church group, “Yes to Life”. She said, “YES” and then “I do” in 1996. Jerry was a professional jazz musician and photographer. Music was once again part of her love story. Judy always sat in the same pew at church, so she’d never miss Jerry playing in the band. They loved seeing movies together and visiting family, which combined they had many to see. She formed a close relationship with Jerry’s family and loved her stepdaughters, Cindy Choplin (John), Lesly Cook (Keith), Lorena Hadsall (Jimmie), and stepsons, Jason (Joy) and Jim (LueAnne) Durrell as her own and in return they referred to her as mom. Judy also embraced and loved Jerry’s 12 grandchildren (Michelle, Jeremy, Joe, Justin, Jennifer, Sarah, Andy, Amanda, Jessica, Jordan, Torrie and Brandon) and his 16 great grandchildren.

 She was a loving aunt, sister, friend and spiritual advisor to many. Judy’s presence will be deeply missed.

 Judy is preceded in death by her beloved Husband, Jerry Durrell, Son, Andrew Carlson, Sister, Brother-in-law and Nephew, Lynden, Ken and Scott Kirk Parents, Hubert and Ruth Harbaugh and Stepdaughter, Melanie Durrell 

 Judy was very excited about this upcoming election. She would be incredibly grateful if all who knew and loved her got out and voted in her honor. 

 A celebration of life has been scheduled for Saturday, September 21, 2024 at 1:00 p.m., at Center for Spiritual Living, 1014 W. 39th St., Kansas City, MO 64114.

Thank you for your continued support an outpouring of support and love.