Judy Cooke Raulerson

Judy Cooke Raulerson, 84, of Glen Saint Mary, Florida, an adored wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully surrounded by her loving family.

Judy was born on March 30, 1941, in Russell County, Virginia, and was the cherished matriarch of the large family she proudly built with her devoted husband of 64 years, James Paul Raulerson, who preceded her in death by just 73 days. She was also preceded in death by her mother, Fannie Kate Hackney Cooke; father, William Lawrence Cooke; and brothers, Earl M. Cooke, and William L. (Cue) Cooke. Judy is survived by her beloved children: Paulette English (Tip), Sherrie Raulerson (Eric), Doug Raulerson (Reneé), and Danna Kay Schaper (Steve). She was affectionately known as “Nanny” to her nine treasured grandchildren: Erica Raulerson Pride (Austin), Ellen English Huckaba (Jeremy), Kailee Raulerson Trippett (Joshua), Michael Stewart (Kelsey), Tyler Schaper (Ashley), Will English (Jenna), Hannah Schaper Pitman (Harrison), Caitlin Raulerson, and Jamie-Lynne Raulerson. Her love continues through her great-grandchildren: Anistyn, Harbor, and Davis Pride; Caroline and Hunter James Huckaba; Obed and Amos Trippett; Caden Kinghorn and Khloe Stewart; and Liam English and baby boy English (due in September).

A proud graduate of Castlewood High School, Class of 1959, Judy was a member of the marching band and an accomplished pianist. She found joy in sharing her gift and love for music with others, teaching piano lessons for over 30 years.

Soon after graduating from high school, Judy met Paul, a handsome soldier who became the love of her life. After a short courtship, they were married on May 29, 1960. The young couple made their home in Glen Saint Mary, Florida, where they raised four children. Judy was a loving and supportive wife and mother whose life was centered around her faith and family. She shared the love of Christ with her children, ensuring that their lives were firmly rooted in faith from an early age. She guided them with wisdom, encouragement, and unconditional love.

Judy was a devoted homemaker and had a gift for making her house (especially her kitchen) feel like home to family and friends alike. She was an outstanding cook and talented seamstress, sewing everything from school and church clothes to baton twirling costumes and wedding dresses. She combined creativity with care in everything she made. She also had a knack for braiding hair tight enough (with enough Aussie hairspray) to survive even the roughest days on the farm.

Judy also gave generously of her time and talents outside her home—volunteering as a PTA member and band parent. She and Paul were a cornerstone of the community, organizing school carnivals, chaperoning band trips, and making countless candied apples and corndogs.

Her artistic spirit extended to painting, and she found great joy in participating in art classes and depicting her life, surroundings, and family in paintings. Judy shared a passion for travel with her husband and family. Her journeys took her across the United States and around the globe—including Germany, Austria, England, Italy, Monaco, France, Israel, Jordan, Egypt, Canada, and Kenya.

A celebration of Judy’s life will be held at Glen Baptist Church in Glen Saint Mary, Florida on Wednesday, April 16th at 1:00 p.m. Interment will follow at North Prong Cemetery. The family will receive visitors on Tuesday, April 15th from 6:00-8:00 p.m.at Glen Baptist Church.

“Mama,” “Nanny”—you were deeply loved, and your legacy will forever live on in the hearts of all those you touched.

The staff of Guerry Forbes Funeral Home is honored to serve the Raulerson family once again.