Judy Brashear

Judy Marie Crites Brashear, 85 years old, entered the presence of our Lord on Tuesday, March 31, 2026 at Newbridge Waterside Memory Care Center, Cape Girardeau, MO.

Judy was born to E. Dale "Pop" and Dorothy K. Grojean Crites on July 3, 1940 in Kelso, Mo. She attended St. Augustine Catholic School in Kelso, at a time when school lunches weren't available. She joked about walking one block from school to Herb's Tavern for a bowl of chili or to Ressel's Grocery Store for cheese and crackers. She graduated from Cape Catholic High in 1958, which is now Notre Dame High School in Cape Girardeau. MO.

Judy was a devoted member of St Joseph Catholic Church in Scott City. She was Previously a member of the Parish Council and the Council of Catholic Women. She also took leadership roles planning and working the bi-annual church dinners, the Lenten fish fries and BINGO nights at the Knights of Columbus Hall in Scott City. She was also a member of the church choir.

Judy first married Ralph C. "Sonny" Davidson, Jr. of Scott City. Even after their divorce, they conscientiously and easily celebrated many family events with their daughters. Judy played a vital role in caring for Sonny during his battle with cancer and until his death on April 26, 2006. Judy then married Sam Below of Delta and they remained friends after their divorce.

Judy had a strong work ethic. She was an extraordinary housekeeper and landscaper. It was often mentioned that one could eat off her garage floor. She began working as a young teenager for her family's ice cream shop alongside her Dad. She then worked as a waitress during her high school years in her parents' restaurant, Safeway Restaurant.in Scott City. Over the years she held jobs at Bohannon Cleaners in Scott City, Rust & Martins Fine Furniture store in Cape Girardeau, the Cape Girardeau County Assessor's office in Jackson, and R & M Drapery Workroom, which she proudly owned for seven years.

Judy is survived by one brother, David (Doris) Crites of Columbia MO, and two sisters-in-law: Mary Ann Crites of Waterloo, IL and Barbara Crites of Kansas City, MO. She is survived by her children and stepchildren: Cindi (Rick) Brashear of Scott City, Mary Straubel of Beulah, MI, Laurie Felker of Rogers, AR, Sammy Below of Scott City, MO, Becky (Bud) McMillan of Cape Girardeau, Scott Brashear and Barbi (Jeff) Simpson, both from Scott City.

Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Allen (Becky) Collier, Alivia, Ty (Delaney Dohogne), Bennett, and Charlotte of Scott City; and Kim (Kelly) Rizvi, Anthony (Emily) Makenzie, Cooper, and Samantha from Roscoe, IL. Brandi (Nate Comer) Brashear of Cape Girardeau, MO. Jada(Jack) Martin, Mae Belle, and Jude Harrell of Bellingham, WA. Seth (Patty) Harrell, Asa and Mary Claire of Kirkwood, MO. Sara (Alpha Rivera) Brashear, Mina, Kayla, and Kenny from Deland, FL. Eric (Natalie) Brashear, Elliott and Eliza of Scott City. Rory (Olivia Rinock) Straubel of Washougal, WA. Frankie (Stelle) Barone of Houghton, MI. Ashley (Joe) Dodds and Jameson of Rogers, AR. Taylor (Chris) Brotherton, Jude and Nels. Garrett (Zoe Davis) McMillan of Cape Girardeau. Katie (Jake) Guinn, Toby, Josie, Landon, and Ian of Cape Girardeau. Olivian Brashear of TX. Cody Brashear, Eli, Ian, and Wyatt. Miranda (Slade) Craig, Benson, and Waylon of Scott City. Lyndsey (Donnie) Wiley, Evie and Emma from Scott City; Dylan (Kendra) Simpson. Peyton and Myla from Scott City. As well as several nieces and nephews of the Davidson and Crites families.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, Dick, daughter, Amy Rachelle Davidson, step-son Mike Brashear and grandson, J.P. Harrell. She was also preceded in death by sisters Dorothy Lee and Phyllis Deloris Crites, Mary Ann (Billy) Harris, and Nonie Walls and brothers Basil (Sarah Jane) Crites, Jerome (Jan) Crites, James Crites, and Gregory Crites. And, several Davidson and Crites nieces and nephews.

Friends may call on Tuesday, April 7, 2026 at St. Joseph Catholic Church in Scott City from 8:30 to 11:00. Parish prayers will be held at 8:30, followed by visitation until 11:00 when the Funeral Mass will begin. Father Tomasz P. Wilk will officiate. Interment will be held at St. Joseph Catholic Cemetery in Scott City following the service.

The family of Judy would like to express their deepest appreciation and gratitude to the exceptional caregivers at Newbridge Waterside Memory Care Center for the last 3 months of loving care they gave our Mother. We cannot find the appropriate words to stress how much Mom loved you, as we do. We are also appreciative and grateful for the staff of Newbridge Retirement Community Center, Assisted Living. You folks have gone beyond and above and soon we felt like your family. Thank you, again. You made Mom’s last several years, phenomenal.