Judi Terry Tarpley

Mrs. Judi Terry Tarpley died peacefully at Wellstar Cobb Hospital in Austell, GA on January 4, 2025 at the age of 75.

Judi is survived by her husband, Frank W. Tarpley of Powder Springs GA; her children, Todd (Elaine) Tarpley of Acworth GA, Terry Tarpley of Powder Springs GA, and Kim Skrok of Warren MI; her grandchildren, Sawyer Tarpley and Michaela Tarpley of Acworth GA, Jake Skrok of Los Angeles CA, and Ashly (Mohammed) Alghamdi of Ypsilanti MI; and her great grandson, Luka Alghamdi. She is preceded in death by her parents Geraldine and Clarence Terry; her sister Barbara McDonald; and her brother Jack Millikin. She also leaves behind countless nieces, nephews, great-nieces and great-nephews, cousins and other family members and friends who loved her dearly.

Judi was born on September 8, 1949 in Atlanta, GA to Geraldine and Clarence Terry. She graduated as salutatorian from Roosevelt High School in 1967 and married her high school sweetheart “Frankie” right after graduation that same year. While in high school, she was a cheerleader for Frankie and the football team, as well as being honored as the Homecoming Queen. Over the next few years, the couple happily welcomed two sons into their lives. More than 50 years later, she and Frank fulfilled a lifelong search by joyfully reuniting with their daughter, whom they had selflessly placed for adoption when they were younger.

Judi's children remember her as a loving mother who encouraged them every step of the way. A perfect example is the time when she, on behalf of her son, sent an application for admission to the University of Georgia, unbeknownst to him. She then presented him with the acceptance letter which led to a four year degree that changed his life, all of which may never have happened without her love and guidance.

After a successful career with companies like Coca-Cola and NIFDA, she finally found her calling as a travel agent and never looked back. Judi was a passionate traveler herself and loved helping her clients create and experience dream vacations. She was an avid collector of keepsake bells from all over the world, many of which were gifts from clients and friends. 

Judi was a generous and kind individual who was always there for others, especially her nieces and nephews, with whom she had cherished relationships. She was a member of multiple Baptist churches over the years as she and Frank moved around Georgia and the Southeastern US in pursuit better opportunities and lives for their children. She always allowed her faith to guide and comfort her through both good and bad life experiences. No matter where she lived, she was always a dedicated member of the community and supported many local organizations, one of her favorites being The Business Professional Women's Foundation, which was the first foundation and research center in America dedicated exclusively to the interests and advancement of working women.

A celebration of Judi’s life will be held at a later date yet to be determined.

A Life Well Lived!