On Tuesday, November 14th, 2023, our mother, Judith Ann Kinard left this earthly life for her Heavenly home, to be with her Lord and Savior.  We thank and praise God for His faithfulness and the promise of Life Eternal to all who believe in Jesus.

With that hope, we know with confidence that we will see her again someday in Heaven.

Judi was born on November 7th, 1940 in Detroit, Mi.

She was the third of four children, and is survived by her sister Alfreda "Fredi" (Bud) Volberding, and Patrick (Karen) Smith.  Her oldest brother Ronald Smith preceded her in death, along with her husband (William Kinard) and her parents, William (Alex) Smith and Opal Smith.

Voted prettiest girl in her class in High School, Judi caught dad's eye through family acquaintances at church and by the time she graduated, dad married her on June 21, 1958 and they settled in Dearborn, Michigan.

We kids never did understand why anyone would want to get married, just a few days out of high school, but we're thankful they did.

Their early years included lots of children.  Judi had a baby boy (Kevin) about 12 months into their marriage and proceeded to have 4 beautiful girls (Kimberly, Kelli, Kristi and Kathi) over the next nine years.

We never knew who had the more difficult role in the family… Judi raising 5 little kids at home each day or Bill going out each night after work to perfect his bowling or golf skills.    Ha ha

Needless to say, the early years of their marriage were not without their share of difficulties and it almost broke them up for good.  Mom and dad taught us that marriage isn't always easy but by God's grace it's always worth it.  In over 63 years as husband and wife, they grew in their love for the Lord and for each other, and we reaped all the blessings as a family because of it.

Judi was the glue that held us all together over the years, and she had a profound impact on many people's lives.

To "little ones" at church or up the street at the local elementary school "bible club", mom was known as Miss Judi.  To her beloved grandchildren she was and forever will be "Meena".

To dad she was simply "Jude", but to us, her children, she was so much more.  (our Friend, our #1 Supporter, our Confidant, our Prayer Warrior, and the list could go on and on.)

Judi had many traits and characteristics that were unbeknownst to most.

She was the only lady we knew with arms long enough to be driving the car with one hand while at the same time, turning to slap the three oldest children in one motion, who were misbehaving in the back seat.

She had "stealth" like tendencies as evidenced by helping all of us kids to hide when our pastor from church would come to visit, only because she was too embarrassed by how messy the house was.

Judi worked tirelessly to provide for her family and her home.  She was the ultimate "do-it-yourself" lady.  She was a highly skilled seamstress and would often make matching dresses for her daughters, usually to be worn on Sundays or holidays.

Most Saturday evenings when the kids were young, the girls would gather in the basement and Judi would put their hair up in curlers prior to bedtime.

She would then proceed to wake them up at "Zero Dark Thirty" the next morning to make sure all her daughters' hair looked perfect before getting dressed and heading out to church.

Dad would often assist by sitting in the car, honking the horn and reminding us all that it was time to go.

Judi loved the word JOY and tried to keep elements of it in every room of the house.  In later years, it was quite common to drive by their home on Francis Street and see those three letters standing upright in the front yard, surrounded by greenery and other Christmas decorations.

We think for her, JOY meant: 1) J = Jesus First  2) O = Others Second  3) Y = Yourself last.

She found joy in the simple pleasures of life – finding deals while shopping at Goodwill, exploring new recipes at the library, arranging flowers, nurturing her garden and setting the most enchanting dinner tables.

Judi spent most of her adult years serving others and loving every minute of it.

Whether she was hosting small gatherings after church on Sunday or Wednesday evening, inviting neighbors down for a meal or loving on her grandkids at her home every chance she could get, making others feel loved and appreciated was Judi's lifelong mission.  She was the ultimate Party Planner.

She always loved helping to coordinate the "block parties" on Francis Street and watch the younger children laugh and play.

She was blessed with a very special set of friends on Francis Street that brought her great great joy over the years.

Judi was all about making memories for her family.

There were day trips or week long adventures to Camp Dearborn in the summer.

The random popcorn and Drive In movie nights.

That surprise weekend getaway to Weber's Inn in Ann Arbor one Friday afternoon after school.

Most unforgettable were our week long family trips to Myrtle Beach each year over a 40 year span.

As us kids all became adults and had our own families, nothing brought Judi more joy than to bring everyone together for special occasions and holidays.  Years ago she had a "three season" porch added to her home just to add extra room for entertaining.

Most importantly, our mom, Judith Kinard, loved the Lord.  She taught her children and her grandchildren to love the Lord God and His Son Jesus Christ.  And for that, we are eternally grateful.

She modeled Matthew 5:14-16 well.  "You are the Light of the world…  Let your Light shine before men, that they may see your good works, and glorify your Father in heaven."

Other than those mentioned above, Mom is survived by her 5 children– Kevin (Rhoda) Kinard, Kim Fonseca, Kelli (Mark) Pickett, Kristi Kinard, Kathi (Lewis) Yokom.  Also survived by her beloved grandchildren – Angela (Patrick) Young, Chelsea (Josh) Montgomery, Alexa (Michael) Leich, Michael (Missy) Fonseca, Abbie (Jackson) Koert, Brittany (Brendan) Fowler, Austin Kinard, Zachary (Samantha) Yokom and Shelby Kinard.  Also numerous great grandchildren.

We celebrate and thank the Lord for Mom's life and legacy.

A memorial service to honor and remember Judith will be held on Friday, November 24, 12:00 pm (Visitation starting at 10:30 am), at Hope City Church, 23700 W. Outer Drive in Allen Park.

Donations may be directed to Serenity Hospice to further honor Judith's life.

Please keep Judith's family in your thoughts and prayers during this difficult time.

Livestream of the service will be available through YouTube on the day of service. Leich Tech Solutions @leichtechsolutions1678.