Life Reflection

Judith Dean Rickenbacke r, affectionately known as Judy , was born on August 22, 1947, in Orangeburg, South Carolina. She was the eldest daughter of Mary E. Rickenbacker and the late Wilber J. Rickenbacker.

Judy was raised in Bamberg, South Carolina. While growing up, she enjoyed attending church and worshipping with her family at Mt. Zion United Methodist Church. Judy was educated in the Bamberg County Public Schools. She was a hard worker and creative, which manifested as a love of sewing. After graduating from high school in 1965, she attended Voorhees College for sewing. Once she attained her Associates degree, she moved to Charleston and ultimately, Chicago in search of new opportunities. For over 50 years, she shared her talent by sewing one-of-a-kind creations that included suits, prom dresses, and wedding dresses. She was even featured in Time Magazine when she officially started her own sewing business through a local business incubator. Judy always made sure her clients looked and felt like a million bucks.

In addition to sewing, Judy explored other careers, including working in accounts payable at the Palmer House Hilton Hotel and as a lunchroom manager at Black Elementary School with the Chicago Public Schools. She retired from Chicago Public Schools in 2013. Regardless of the job opportunity, she loved serving others.

Judy was also full of joy, humor, and love.  She was the proud mother of two sons and a doting grandma to her grandchildren. Judy could often be found telling stories and jokes or supporting her extended family and friends with words of wisdom and a good meal. Family and friends couldn't wait until the holiday season to experience her gumbo or to sit with her for a casual chat. Being in her presence was comforting and peaceful. She had a heart of gold that everyone cherished, cheerleading them in good times and wiping away tears in the tough times.

Judy entered eternal rest on Sunday, August 3, 2025.

Judy is preceded in death by her son, Terry; companion, Jonathan Coleman; father, Wilber J. Rickenbacker; sister, Jean Johnson; brother-in-law, John H. Johnson Sr.; niece, Angela Johnson; and nephew, John H Johnson Jr.

She leaves to cherish her memory: son Aaron; grandchildren, Aries, Arianna, Jashee, Tysheanna; mother, Mary Rickenbacker (Irmo, SC); best friends, Patricia Hayward and Inell Williams; and a host of loving nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives, and great friends, all of whom will miss her dearly.