The Life and Legacy of
Deaconess Jurine “Judy” Brown Thomas

“The Lord is my shepherd; I shall not want.” — Psalm 23:1
There are some lives that quietly become a testimony—lives defined not by how loudly they speak, but by how faithfully they serve, how deeply they love, and how willingly they extend a hand to someone in need. Such was the beautiful life of Deaconess Jurine Brown Thomas, affectionately known as “Judy.”

Born on August 21, 1938, in Quincy, Florida, to the late Capus Brown and Emma Bradwell Brown, Judy was raised in Quincy, where the values of faith, family, hard work, and perseverance were instilled in her at an early age. Those values would remain constant throughout the many seasons of her life.

“He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: He leadeth me beside the still waters.”
As a young woman, Judy worked as a domestic worker. Though her beginnings were humble, her dreams for herself and her family were great. In January 1963, she relocated with her husband and children to Newark, New Jersey, determined to build a brighter future for those she loved.

It was there that Judy made the courageous decision to further her education. While balancing the responsibilities of family and everyday life, she pursued opportunities that would allow her to grow personally and professionally. She earned a Medical Secretary Diploma, followed by an Associate of Science degree in Liberal Arts from a local community college.

Still, Judy pressed forward.

Her determination eventually led her to Seton Hall University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Social Work, graduating magna cum laude. Her academic accomplishments were a testament to her perseverance and her belief that one's circumstances did not have to determine one's destination.

“He restoreth my soul: He leadeth me in the paths of righteousness for His name’s sake.”
Judy did not pursue education simply for herself. She used what she had learned to become an advocate and helping hand for others. Through her work in social services, she assisted families and those less fortunate in obtaining the resources and assistance they needed to move forward in life.

Her philosophy was simple, yet profound: an open heart is often a hand up to greater opportunities.

That belief was not merely something Judy said—it was something she lived.

After a fulfilling career devoted to helping others, Judy retired in 2001 and returned to her beloved home state of Florida to be closer to family. Yet retirement did little to quiet her servant's heart. She continued giving of herself through several social and civic organizations, always maintaining a special concern for those who needed encouragement, assistance, or simply someone who cared.

Her life of service was deeply rooted in her faith.

Judy faithfully served the Lord as a Deaconess at Spring Hill Missionary Baptist Church in Tallahassee, Florida. Her relationship with God was a source of strength throughout her life, and among the Scriptures she held especially dear was the 23rd Psalm. Its words beautifully reflected the journey she lived—a journey of trusting the Shepherd through green pastures, still waters, valleys, blessings, and every season in between.

“Yea, though I walk through the valley of the shadow of death, I will fear no evil: for Thou art with me.”
Away from her professional and civic responsibilities, Judy appreciated life's simple joys. She enjoyed watching trivia and game shows, completing word searches, and sending cards to family members and friends. Those cards became one of the many ways she expressed her thoughtfulness. Whether celebrating a birthday, acknowledging a special occasion, offering encouragement, or simply letting someone know they were on her mind, Judy understood that even a small gesture could make someone feel remembered and loved.

Her life was a beautiful reflection of determination and grace. From her beginnings in Quincy, to establishing a new life in New Jersey, to pursuing higher education and graduating with distinction, to dedicating her career to helping others, and eventually returning home to Florida, Judy continued to follow wherever the Shepherd led.

Then, on Sunday, September 20, 2026, after eighty-eight years of life's joys, challenges, accomplishments, service, and love, Deaconess Jurine “Judy” Brown Thomas completed her earthly journey and went home to be with her Heavenly Father.

For those who knew her faith, the words of her beloved Psalm now carry an even deeper meaning:

“Surely goodness and mercy shall follow me all the days of my life: and I will dwell in the house of the Lord forever.”
Judy was preceded in death by her beloved husband, James Thomas; her daughters, Carolyn Parkman Harris and Elizabeth Smith; her grandson, Terrence Jackson; her parents, Capus Brown and Emma Bradwell Brown; her brother, Benjamin Lee Brown; and her sisters, Catherine Wilson, Bessie Mae Jones, and Willie Mae Beck.

Left to cherish the precious memories of her life and continue the legacy she so lovingly established are her daughter, Emma Smith of Tallahassee, Florida; her son, Calvin (Charlotte) Stephens of Quincy, Florida; her sisters, Sara Beard of Sarasota, Florida, and Lois Elder-Mathews of Chattanooga, Tennessee; grandchildren: Khadija Hill-Green, Tyre' Jackson, Iesha Jackson, and Tyshun Jackson; along with a host of other relatives, church family, friends, and countless lives blessed by her kindness and compassionate spirit.

For eighty-eight years, Judy walked this earthly road. She worked. She learned. She achieved. She served. She gave. She loved. And through it all, she trusted the Shepherd.

Now, the journey that began in Quincy has reached its eternal destination. The hands that so willingly reached out to help others may now rest. The heart that remained open to the needs of others has completed its work.

And the Shepherd who guided Judy throughout her life has finally led her home—
where goodness and mercy shall follow her, and she shall dwell in the house of the Lord forever.