Judy E. Gore

Judy E. Gore, lovingly known to many as Mama, Valentine, and Ray Ray, was a joy to be around.

Judy was born February 16, 1944, in Knox, Indiana, to the late Allen and Jeanette Bailey, Judy's infectious spirit and unwavering resolve were evident from the start. Her journey on this earth came to a peaceful close on May 8, 2024, in Indianapolis, Indiana, leaving behind a legacy of love, laughter, and indomitable spirit.

 After graduating from Knox High School, she ventured to Michigan City, Indiana, where her life began. 

 Judy's career was as diverse and vibrant as her personality. She began her journey at the Westville Correctional Facility as a secretary, a role that allowed her to touch the lives of many. It was there that she met the charming Richard Lee Gore. Their love blossomed, and they united in marriage, they were blessed with four beautiful children.

Later, Judy pursued a career at U.P.S., where she served diligently as a clerk, cashier, and packer. Her dedication to her work was matched only by her commitment to her family, as she also took on an evening role in retail at Sears in the Marquette Mall. Judy's hard work and perseverance enabled her to retire from both U.P.S. and Sears, all while embracing the full-time responsibilities of being a mother and grandmother, and raising her eldest two grandchildren, Sha'Cola and Lil' Ricky.

Judy's faith was a cornerstone of her life, and she confessed her life at an early age, becoming a member of the First Christian Church. 

Known for her boundless energy and sociability, Judy was the life of every gathering. She was fun, fearless, and fiercely independent. Her strength was an inspiration, setting an example of what it means to be a mother, grandmother, friend, sister, daughter, and aunt. Judy's love for music and dancing was infectious, and she could often be found playing spades, cheering on her grandchildren at school events, sports games, and field trips. Her culinary skills were unmatched, especially when it came to cooking soul food, and her family gatherings, house parties, and backyard BBQs were legendary.

Traveling with her best friend Veoma, affectionately known as Bobby, and sister-in-law Lela were among her favorite pastimes. Judy also had a passion for sports, particularly enjoying watching and betting on basketball and football games, all while enjoying a cold Miller Lite.

Judy leaves behind a loving family who will continue to honor her memory: her daughters Kimberly Williams, Lynette (Ramon) Rodriguez, and Tonya Gore, all of Indianapolis, IN; her cousins Patty Norman-Johnson of Knox, IN, Debbie Wilson Keiper, Walkerton, Dan Norman, Nineveh, IN, Doug Norman, Greeley, Colorado; sister-in-law Lucy Merrill of Buffalo, NY; nephew and niece Greg and Angie Merrill, both of Buffalo, NY; bonus daughters Julia Arnold and Theresa M. Harman both of Michigan City, IN; bonus son Hiawatha Wright of Michigan City; special friend Wendy Sparkman; fifteen grandchildren; twenty-three great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cousins. Her legacy of love and resilience will be cherished by all who knew her.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents, Allen and Jeanette Bailey; aunts, Doris Norman and Bernice Wilson; brother Clarence Bailey; sister Janet Miller; son Richard Anthony Gore; cousin Kathy Moore; granddaughter Alia Reeves; best friend Veoma Grant; and special sister-in-law Lela Jackson.

Ms. Gore’s celebration of life will be 11am, Friday, May 24, 2024 at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church with Rev. Jacarra Williams to give the eulogy. Burial will follow immediately after the celebration of life at Swan Lake Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Viewing will be 10am, Friday, May 24, 2024 at New Hope Missionary Baptist Church.

To send flowers to the family or plant a tree in memory of Judy E. Gore, please visit our floral store.