Judith Ruth “Judy” Lynch, 84, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, February 4, 2026, at UF Health
in Jacksonville, surrounded by her loving family.

Born and raised in Jacksonville, Judy was the daughter of Ernest and Nannie Ruth Bolton Clance. A proud graduate of Ribault High School, she began her career as an underwriter with Independent Life Insurance Company, where she dedicated 33 years before embarking on a second career as a Fraud Investigator for the City of Jacksonville Housing Authority. She continued there until her well-earned second retirement.

Until moving to Yulee nine years ago, Judy was a lifelong resident of Jacksonville’s northside. Her faith was a guiding force in her life—she was a charter member of St. Martin’s / St. Elizabeth’s Episcopal Church, where she worshiped for over 55 years then joined Yulee Baptist Church for several years before joining Springhill Baptist Church in Fernandina Beach. She loved Jesus deeply and cherished the fellowship of every church family she became a part of. For many years, Judy was deeply committed to Cursillo, where she served with a servant’s heart to support others in their walk with Christ. Perhaps one of her most cherished contributions was her participation in the sunrise service. Those that attended will forever remember the sight and sound of Judy and others singing as they appeared from over a hill walking toward the cross—a beautiful surprise for those in attendance that turned a simple morning into a sacred, unforgettable moment.

Judy will be remembered for her selflessness and enormous heart. She had a genuine gift for putting others ahead of herself—not only her family, but her many friends as well. She gave freely of her time, her love, and even her last dollar if she thought it might help someone else. Those who knew her best would tell you that Judy’s generosity knew no limits and her passing leaves a massive void that can never truly be filled.

Her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren were the lights of her life. She often said she was “beyond blessed” by the family God gave her. Whether attending ballgames, school events, dance recitals, or theater performances, “Grandma JuJu” was always there—her smile lighting up the stands or audience seats.

One family favorite memory was Judy’s gift-giving—she was known for adding a little “disclaimer” to each present, often with a laugh: “Now, if you don’t like it, you can exchange it,” or “I wasn’t sure about the color!” Her humor and thoughtfulness made every gift feel uniquely hers.

Judy was also a spirited fan of both the Florida Gators and the Jacksonville Jaguars, cheering on her teams through every season with enthusiasm and loyalty.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by the children’s father, John Paul Lynch Sr., in 2021; her second husband, Robert Loyd, in 2008; and her brother, Edward Clance, in 1999.

She leaves behind a family who loves her deeply and will miss her always: her children Paul (Tammy) Lynch, Kevin (Tracy) Lynch, and Chuck (Kim) Lynch, all of Fernandina Beach; and Stephanie (Jon) Camp of Yulee; her brother, Ben Clance of Fleming Island; her grandchildren Ashley (Aryn) Lynch, Kyle (Andrea) Stratis, Brittany (Nathan) Lee, Tommy (Sachi) Stratis, Olivia Lynch, DeWayne (Shelby) Lynch, Stacy Lynch, Zach (Christyn) Camp, Zoey (Josh) Amritt, and Kelvin (Kacey) Rainey; as well as her beloved great-grandchildren Aurora, Shai, Luna, Persephone, Parker, Asher, Landen, Jackson, Adalynne, Christian, Nevaeh, Oliver, Wilder, Waverly, Cori, and Cove, along with many special nieces, nephews and extended family. She will also be greatly missed by many close friends including her longtime friend, Patsy Pate.

A service to remember and celebrate Judy’s beautiful life will be held Saturday, February 14, 2026, at 12:00 PM at Springhill Baptist Church.