Judith Anne Love

Judith A. Love (Judy), a woman who refused to allow the world to box her in, was truly a trailblazer who lit the way for many who were graced by her wise and dynamic presence. Not only did Judy march to the beat of her own drum; she created the drum itself. Her capacity to love was unwavering and the answer to the prayers of many. Our earth angel, Judith, received her wings on Sunday, June 14, 2026, at the age of 82.

Judy was born on December 9, 1943, to Helen D. Balm and Robert Balm in Cedar Rapids, Iowa. Growing up on a farm in rural Iowa provided Judy with her most cherished childhood memories. Fun-loving Judy would spend hours outside and could be found nurturing the cows, chickens, squirrels, you name it! If Judy was not outside, she was helping out in the kitchen, especially when it was time to bake. She found joy in looking after her younger siblings as often as she could. As much as Judy loved her hometown, she eventually left Iowa to pursue her dreams of living in a larger city, where diversity would be welcomed and embraced.

In her late 20s, Judy settled down and planted roots in Cleveland, Ohio. Here is where she would establish the most prized role of her life: becoming a mother, and quite the mother she was to many, not just to those she carried. Judy took tremendous pride in raising her five children on her own. “We’ll figure it out together!” was her motto, including the many friends of her children. Judy was never deterred by lack or fear and would divide her last among those in need without question.

Judy was a proud Christian woman who displayed God’s goodness and mercy through the loving acts of kindness, strength, and grace she extended to everyone. Judy dared for all to be free; therefore, she stood for being inclusive of all. Judy stared fear down, as she could be found elbow to elbow with others who did not look like herself during political and human rights movements. Judy fought for the rights of the disenfranchised and challenged the status quo. She was a loud voice for the unheard. Judy highly encouraged believing in something greater than just oneself.

Judy managed volunteer work throughout her adult life as she raised her children. She instilled community service within each of them at an early age. Judy was such a caring woman who gave the best hugs and always had time for people. She would welcome you in, as her door quite literally remained open, much to the dismay of her family. Through that open door, Judy would pass out food and baked goods that she personally prepared for her fellow neighbors. A woman of faith she truly was. When she was not cooking, Judy was spanking everyone who dared to play her in BINGO, Upwords, or Scrabble. Despite her competitive edge, Judy was committed to being empathetic, compassionate, uplifting spirits, and sharing her wisdom.

Second to becoming a mom, Judy as a grandmother and great-grandmother of at least 30 children was her version of heaven. The unconditional love for her grandbabies was simply unmatched. Visiting Granny Judy was surely a privilege. From taking their first bus ride to learning to season and cook food, Granny Judy taught them all, yes, this also includes her grandchildren’s friends. She was a wealth of love, with a great sense of humor and “colorful” language. If you know, you know! And if you ever experienced her love, you would know that she LOVED YOU MORE!

Judy was preceded in death by her parents, Helen D. Balm and Robert Balm; her grandparents, Arthur and Ethel Reed, Oliver E. Balm and Hulda Belle Harrah; her siblings, James Balm and Saundra K. Pratt; and her daughter, Clarice Jones. Judith is survived by her siblings, Ellsworth Primmer, Delores Dixon, Steve Pifer Ely, Della Alvarez, and Martha Erb (Brad).

She leaves to cherish her memory and celebrate her life, her loving children, Angelina Stubbs (Antonio), Charlisha Harris, Calvin Love (Niesha), and DelVaughn Williams; and goddaughter, Jamesiea Brown.

Her beloved grandchildren are Cedricka Love, Willie Pugh, Calvin Pugh Sr., Charmeka Love Pugh, Willie Thomas, Dakota Love, Montana Love, Kansas Jones, Reno McCoy, Raynell Williams (Zidnequa), Darian Woodson, Beniyah Woodson, RaSheed Lewis, Heaven Love, Kamari Summers, Mionna Smith, DelVaughna Williams, JaeVontae Worley, Delvaughn Williams Jr., Ky’Reis Williams, and Emarion Carmichael. For all of the great-grandchildren, Granny loved you so dearly. She requested your company constantly, and she never wanted you to go home…EVER!

Judy will be missed greatly by all of us who had the pleasure of knowing her, and the love she shared will continue to live in our memories forever.