Judith "Judy" Venning

judith venning

September 24, 1944 ~ August 4, 2019

Born in: Atlanta, GA
Resided in: Asheville, NC

Asheville – Judith “Judy” Venning, 74, of Asheville, died Sunday, August 4, 2019 at her residence after fighting a long battle with MDS and leukemia.

Born in Atlanta, GA, she was a daughter of the late Roy Franklin Morgan, Sr. and Jessie Mae Boudreau Morgan.

She attended Westminster High School in Atlanta, and went on to be the first member of her family to graduate from college. She earned a bachelor’s in philosophy from Hollins College in Roanoke, Virginia in 1966, and pursued graduate work in philosophy at the University of Chapel Hill, North Carolina.

Judy was a most loving wife and mother who constantly looked for ways to bless everyone around her. Her heart was generous, her love was tenacious, and her trust in Jesus was unshakable. She served faithfully in church, teaching children’s catechism for more than 30 years. Her home was always bursting with beautiful plants and flowers from her garden, and she cherished animals and humans alike. A love for Scripture and theology thrummed through her veins and was always on her lips.

She is survived by her husband of 53 years, Charles Gibson Venning; her children, Ross Gibson Venning of Asheville, Jessica Venning Datema (Jay) of Brooklyn, NY, Jennifer Venning MacLeod (Tom) of Clemmons, NC, Joshua Charles Venning of Asheville and Laura Venning Wilson (Derek) of Seattle, WA.; one sister, Sue Lovett of Atlanta, GA; six grandchildren, Lorien, Ransom, Zeke, Gabe, Judith and David as well as several nieces and nephews.

A service celebrating Judy’s life will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, August 10, 2019 at Trinity Presbyterian Church in East Asheville. The graveside service will follow at 1:00 PM on Saturday at Calvary Churchyard in Fletcher. Her family will have a reception at Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian from 2:00-4:00 PM on Saturday following the graveside service.

To view a tribute video created by her family, please click here: Judy Venning Tribute

Services

Celebration of Life: August 10, 2019 11:00 am

Trinity Presbyterian Church
17 Shawnee Trail
Asheville, NC 28805

828-252-3535

Graveside Service: August 10, 2019 1:00 pm

Calvary Episcopal Churchyard
Hendersonville Road
Fletcher, NC 28732

828-252-3535

Reception: August 10, 2019 2:00 pm - March 28, 2024 4:00 pm

Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian
72 Long Shoals Road
Arden, NC 28704

(828)687-3530
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com

Funeral Home Assisting The Family:

Groce Funeral Home at Lake Julian
72 Long Shoals Road
Arden, NC 28704

(828)687-3530
http://www.grocefuneralhome.com

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Memories Timeline

Guestbook

  1. Judy was a loving aunt and encourager to me throughout my childhood and teen years especially. I am so thankful for her life and her example. She will be missed here on this earth. Much love and many prayers sent to Charlie, her children and grandchildren.
    I’m so sorry I cannot be at her memorial service.

  2. So sorry for the Venning family. May our Lord Jesus Christ provide comfort to the family and friends at this difficult time. Knowing that Judy is in glory from now on.

  3. So sorry and praying for your family. Judy’s life has touched me with her big smile and her love for truth. Trinity Presbyterian will miss her and she has influenced so many of us through her teaching b

  4. Judy and Charlie have always been shinning examples of the Christian faith for me ever since we met at our former church. Blessedly they were also neighbors—and just so wonderful and encouraging. When I was faced with one of the worst events of my life–they supported me with meals at their home—prayer and encouragement. They both did all they could to bring a happy resolution to my crisis. I will never forget what they did–ever. Their entire family reflects this walk of faith and I know that Judy will be sorely missed by all of them and her church and friends and most definitely me. My heart felt prayers go with everyone during this difficult time.

  5. Judy was always an inspiration to me as we were talking on our walks or having lunch. Even though our times together have been less frequent, our last luncheon date was as if we were seeing each other regularly. I have been heart-broken and yet thanking God for her friendship and well-lived days whether easy or challenging. She was a close friend and confident and I loved her dearly as did so many whose lives she touched. David an I are praying for her family who were so loved by Judy.

  6. Charlie
    I was so sad to receive this news. I remember the first time I met you both, 50 years ago this past June at our wedding. Judy was very much with child and was radiantly beautiful. I liked her from the instant I met her.
    I send to you and your children my love and sympathy.
    Mary Susan Ross

  7. My children are sad to hear of the loss of Mrs. Venning! She taught them in their weekly Catechism class, and they remember her with fondness. We are sorry that we cannot attend the funeral, as we will be traveling this weekend.
    -Becky Gentilini

  8. Charlie,
    Lucy and I are both distraught over the loss of such a wonderful person and friend. We considered her friendship to be a blessing beyond description. Lucy, Aimee, and Christian will always remember her ( from our meeting at the Biltmore) with love and affection. Lucy can’t attend the funeral since she is with her family in Rome. I notified her of your tragic loss.
    God be with you and your family.
    Dan Egy

  9. Charlie,
    Lucy and I are both deeply saddened by your loss. Judy was a wonderful friend and we (Lucy, Aimee, and I) will always remember our wonderful visit with Judy at the Biltmore Estate.
    We will not be able to attend the funeral as Lucy and Aimee are in Rome at this time.
    God be with you and your family.
    Dan Egy

  10. We are so sorry for the family’s loss. Judy was an encouragement to us & I loved her laugh. She will be deeply missed.
    Lee & Julie Lovett

  11. May God Bless the whole Venning family now and always.

    And may the Lords promise give you peace, as your’e cherished wife/mother is in his arms now and always!

    Tim

  12. Dear Venning Family,

    I’m so sorry to hear of Judy’s passing. She was always full of kindness, encouragement and warmth. I pray that the grace of God will comfort you as you reflect, remember and celebrate a life well-lived.

  13. Charlie,

    Leslie and I are sorry to hear of the loss of Judy. In these very hard times we hope that you and your family can find some peace.

    Tree

  14. Charlie and family,

    My deepest condolences to your family, God be with you all at this difficult time.

  15. We were saddened to hear of Judy’s passing. We are praying for your family during this time of loss that you will feel the Lord’s presence and comfort.

  16. Dear Charlie, Ross, Jessie, Jennifer, Josh and Laura,

    We were just heartbroken when we learned that our dear friend, Judy, had passed. We fondly remember all of you from our earliest friendship at the Walker Street Apts. in Cary in the early 1970’s, to visiting you at your mountain home and beach retreat. Your kindness to all of us touched our hearts. Judy’s beautiful pastel drawing of her beloved beach still graces our home and is a wonderful reminder of the love we have for her. We’re going to hold her to the words on her last note to Anne on her birthday last year, “We’ll have a wonderful time of “catch-up” in Heaven where there are no “good-byes!” Save us a place, dear friend.

    Anne, Jerod, Alicia and Suzanne Kratzer


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