It is with deep sorrow that we announce the passing of Judith Bolles Morrell on August 16, 2023. She was 83. Judy was born on August 25, 1939 in Kensington, Connecticut to the late Edward and Laura Bolles. She spent her childhood years in Berlin, Connecticut and graduated from Berlin High School as a National Honor Society student in 1957.

Judy attended the University of Connecticut where she was a member of the non-sectarian sorority Delta Pi. After graduating in 1961, she married her college beau, Frederick Morrell, and moved to the Hampton Roads area where they resided for over 60 years. During those early years, Judy was an avid bridge player and made many friends through her membership in the various women's clubs of Newport News.

Over the course of her career, Judy taught English and History at the middle, high school, and college levels and served as the principal of Orcutt Baptist School in Newport News for ten years before retiring in 1995 to spend time with her family as a full-time Grammy which was her all-time favorite role.

Judy's life was devoted to children. While raising her own four, she spent countless hours volunteering through her leadership in Girl Scouts, Cub Scouts, and as the swim team parent sponsor and pool-board member for the Beechwood Sharks. She was known as "Mom" to many of her children's friends and countless students and was always available to offer an understanding heart and plenty of hugs. She consistently poured out authentic love; always reminding others that young people can tell which adults truly care for them.

Judy was an avid crafter- crocheting multiple afghans, scarves and hats, and sewing countless dresses, costumes, robes, and pillows as gifts to her loved ones. She continued to display her love for children and education by regularly reading with great enthusiasm and usually in costume to her grandchildren's classrooms.

Judy was a steadfast follower of Christ. Over the course of her adult life she was active in many churches including Warwick Memorial Methodist Church, New Covenant Church, and Peninsula Community Chapel. She especially enjoyed accompanying her husband Fred to share the Gideon message at places of worship throughout the state of Virginia. Judy loved to worship and could often be heard singing hymns and scripture songs as she journeyed through her many tasks- always with that sweet smile upon her face.

Judy loved the outdoors. She inherited a green-thumb from her father and spent many hours planting, pruning, and watering her yard into a beautiful landscape that she enjoyed viewing from her kitchen table and porch. A beach girl at heart, she especially enjoyed taking vacations to Cape Cod, Virginia Beach, and the Outer Banks- always with the ones she loved. These were her happiest moments; seated in her favorite beach chair with her feet at the water's edge while watching her beloved family members playing in the waves. In their golden years, Judy and Fred enjoyed cruising to destinations all over the globe and hosting family gatherings.

Judy was preceded in death by her husband of 60 years, Frederick Roland Morrell; her parents Edward and Laura Bolles of Berlin, Connecticut; two sisters Doris and Patty; three brothers Edward, Billy, and Bobby; and her eldest daughter, Gayle Morrell Braley (Phil) who sadly passed in 2014.

Judy is survived by a daughter, Kathleen Morrell O'Sullivan (Tim) of Ossian, Indiana; two sons, Mike Morrell of Richmond, Virginia, and Mark Morrell (Sonja) of Suffolk, Virginia; nine loving grandchildren: Patrick, Katelyn (Blake), Laura, Caleb, Greysen, Britni, Ashley, Grace, and Ryan; and one great-granddaughter, Isla Rae.

The family would like to extend their sincere appreciation to Judy's incredible care team- a group of amazing women who were with Judy around the clock for the past 12 months. Mere words could never describe the level of loving kindness poured out on our mother by Angel, Ann, Betty, China, Druscilla, Jacqui, Kristina, Melinda, and Marie. You are family now, and we love you.

Judy will be missed by all who knew her. Those blessed enough to have received one of her beautiful afghans will continue to feel her hugs as they snuggle under the warmth of her loving gift.  The family will receive friends on Sunday August 20, 2023 from 12:30 – 2:00 pm, at W. J. Smith & Son Funeral Home. A private service and burial to follow.  Please leave online condolences at www.wjsmithandson.com.