Ruby “Judy” Dance

Obituary

Judy Dance (née Ruby Suddith Bainbridge) passed away peacefully at the impressive age of 101 on August 21, 2023, at Friends Home West where she had lived happily for the last 20 years. Please join her friends and family for her service on September 9, 2023, at 11:00 a.m. at the Oak Ridge United Methodist Church at 2424 Oak Ridge Road in Oak Ridge.

Judy was born in Trenton, New Jersey to Harrison and Ruby Bainbridge on June 23, 1922. She moved to Greensboro as a young wife with her husband William G. Dance where they raised three daughters, Linda Sullivan (Spencer), Ruth Edwards (Ralph) and Susan Thomas. Judy and Bill enjoyed the sun and surf at their home on Oak Island for many years, entertaining their grandchildren, Chad Sullivan (Michelle), Jeannie Sullivan Elkins (Rob), Pearse Edwards (Mary), and Tia Edwards Martin (Justin).

Judy served as a lab technician for several local doctors and volunteered at Wesley Long Hospital for 25 years. Judy was a ‘lady who lunched’ and loved to shop, chat, and laugh with her lifelong friends and daughters. She valued friendship, had an easy laugh, and was a good friend to many. She is also survived by eight beloved great grandkids across the country: Connor Sullivan, Will, Josh, & Eliana Elkins in North Carolina; Maya Dietrich in Ohio; Georgia Martin in Nashville; and Nikolai & Minji Edwards in Seattle. Judy’s faith gave her great comfort and she was a member of the Oak Ridge United Methodist Church near her home for many years. The family would like to thank everyone at Friends Home West who took such loving care of Judy through her final years.

Donations in her memory can be sent to the Oak Ridge UMC Building Fund, 2424 Oak Ridge Road, Oak Ridge, NC 27310.