Judith Ann Ison
Judith “Judy” Ann Goudie Ison, 65, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, November 11, 2025, after a long and courageous battle.
Born and raised in Sadorus, Illinois, Judy was the beloved daughter of Bill and Shirley Goudie. After earning her degree from Eastern Illinois University, she began her teaching career in Florida, where she met the love of her life and best friend, Ralph. Together, they shared 42 wonderful years of marriage filled with love, laughter, and enough road trips to Kentucky, Illinois, Florida, Minnesota, South Carolina, and all across Virginia to make their car feel like a second home—and their GPS deserved a retirement party of its own.
Teaching was more than a career for Judy—it was her calling. She taught high school for 14 years in Florida and 21 years in Virginia, leaving an indelible mark on generations of students. She often referred to them as “her kids” and reminded them daily to make “wise choices, good decisions.” Her passion, patience, and humor made her classroom a place where learning and life lessons went hand in hand.
An athlete in her own right, Judy earned numerous awards in track and volleyball. She shared her love of sports by coaching volleyball at Gateway High School in Florida as well as both Fieldale-Collinsville High School and Bassett High School in Virginia. She not only taught the game but also helped shape the character of every player.
Judy’s adventurous spirit led her to travel often—whether it was exploring the beauty of Alaska, marveling at the wonders of Australia, soaking in the desert sun of 29 Palms, California, or hopping in the car for yet another family road trip. Her sharp mind and love of math were matched only by the fierce love she had for her family and friends.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Shirley Goudie.
Left to cherish her memory are her husband, Ralph Ison of Collinsville, VA; her children, Katelyn “Katee Rae” Ison Fletcher (Kenny “Kenny-eth”) of Seneca, SC, and William “Bill” Ison (Amber) of Collinsville, VA; and her adored grandchildren, Levi David, Lexee Ann, and Jude Lowell. She is also survived by her siblings, Jim Goudie of Urbana, IL, and Janice Goudie of Seneca, SC, as well as many beloved nieces and nephews. Her longtime chosen family, Susan Murphy (Chuck) and their children, Jack and Will, have held a special place in Judy’s heart since her days with Susan on the volleyball court, in the classroom, and on numerous family trips that always turned eventful.
Her nephew Matthew Goudie holds the honor of taking her to her first—and as she liked to joke, her last—NASCAR race. She had a blast, even if she never quite figured out how they kept turning left for hours. She always enjoyed her time with Matthew and truly cherished the moments they spent together.
Judy may not have loved NASCAR, but she did love “Race Weekend”. Each year, 40 to 50 family members from Kentucky and Florida would descend like a joyful tornado, turning her home into a lively celebration of family, food, laughter, and just the right amount of chaos. Judy loved every minute of it—the love, family, and togetherness.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 AM on Saturday, December 20, 2025, at Stone Memorial Christian Church, 3030 Virginia Avenue, Collinsville, VA 24078.
Judy’s strength, kindness, and unwavering dedication to her family, students, and community will continue to inspire all who were blessed to know her.
Collins Funeral Home is respectfully serving the Ison family.
