Helping Families and Friends Honor Their Loved One

Judith “Judy” Ann Brown (Burkey), aged 78, passed away peacefully on October 20, 2026.

Judy was born on March 12, 1948, in Holdrege, Nebraska, to the late Wesley “Doc” Fredrick Burkey and Lucille Mildred Nabb. A woman of many talents and an incredible work ethic, Judy spent 25 years working as a beautician, bringing confidence and joy to her clients. She later took to the open road as a truck driver for 5 years, before finishing her career with nearly 14 years of dedicated service at Parker until her well-deserved retirement.

Outside of work, Judy had a deep love for the beauty of nature and was happiest when surrounded by her beloved flowers. She was also a passionate, lifelong fan of the Nebraska Cornhuskers, always rooting hard for her home state team.

She was preceded in death by her parents, grandparents, uncles.

Judy’s love and legacy live on through her family who survives her: her daughter, Jeri (Thomas) Johnson of Arkansas; her grandchildren, Christopher (Ashley) Paulson of Missouri, Justen Paulson of Missouri, Alyssa (Damon) Harrison of Georgia, Lucas (Megan) Snethen of Nebraska, Kiara Paulson of Missouri, Gretchen Swanson of Arkansas, Amaya Paulson of Texas, Honesty London of Arkansas, Drew Munn of Arkansas and Serenity Ehret of Arkansas and great grandchildren.

She is also survived by her sister, Wanda (Jim) Holstein of Nebraska; her nephew, Joshua (Anna) Holstein of New Mexico; and her nieces, Molly (Joshua) Hill and Lindsey Holstein, both of Nebraska.

Memorial services will be held at O’Brien Straatmann Redinger Funeral Home in Kearney, Nebraska, at a later date. Judy will be laid to her final resting place at Pleasant Hill Cemetery in Axtell, Nebraska.

Cremation arrangements by A Natural State Funeral Service 2620 West Main Street, Jacksonville, Arkansas 72076. 501-982-3400. Online guestbook available at www.anaturalstatefuneralservice.com

1 Comment

  • Marcos Munoz Posted October 22, 2026 11:05 AM

    I feel very fortunate to have met mama Judy, Jerry and Gretchen… Mama Judy was so sweet and so funny and such a pleasure to talk to you. She shared a lot of good stories with me. Her daughter and granddaughter are some of the nicest people I’ve ever met and I’m extremely sorry for your loss. My prayers are with you and with mama Judy. I love and miss you all.

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