Mrs. Judy Carol Dover McPherson, 79, of Ballground, GA passed away on Thursday, August 29, 2024.  Born on December 14, 1944 in Acworth, GA she was the daughter of the late Oliver H. Dover and Ella Mae Peterson Dover.

She is survived by her husband of 61 years, Rev. Gerald W. McPherson of Ballground, formerly of Acworth. Gerald and Judy were married on August 31, 1963, and they would have celebrated their 61st anniversary this Saturday. Also left to treasure her memory are her daughters, Brenda S. McPherson of Ballground, Shelley Mascitti (Joe) of Woodstock, and Lynn Palmer of Ballground;  grandaughters Tiffany Reece (David) of Sterling, Colorado, Brandi Baka (Joey) of Dallas, GA, Emma Palmer of Ballground; grandson, Alex Mascitti of Woodstock; great-grandsons Landon Baka and Lukas Baka of Dallas, GA; her baby brother, Donald Dover (LaRae) and brother Larry Dover, and her wonderful cousins in Dalton whom she loved as brothers and sisters.  She has many beloved nieces and nephews, brothers-in law, and sisters-in-law.  She was preceded in death by her sister, Mary "Tootsie" Murat, and brothers C.W. Dover and Oliver "Jr." Dover.

Visitation for family will be held at Collins Funeral Home on Saturday, August 31st from 3:00 to 4:00 pm, and friends will be received from 4:00 to 8:00 pm.  Service will be conducted by Rev. Glen King and Rev. Rodney King on Sunday, September 1st at 2:00 p.m. at Mt. Zion Baptist Church, 6847 Old 41 Hwy NW, Acworth.

Judy was also known lovingly as Nana and G-Nana, and Miss Judy to the beloved children she cared for over her many dedicated years of selfless work in childcare. With endless joy and laughter, she was known to lighten a hard day with a made up song, dancing as if truly no one was watching or sharing her luck of a new cheaply acquired Goodwill treasure. She will be remembered for her unending compassion for her fellow man, her love of Jesus, and her ability to shut down any nonsense with the raise of a single eyebrow.

She loved her water aerobic buddies at the Y and they brought so much joy to her life.  There, she was referred to as Mama Judy and as we were told by the instructor Ms. Melody, mama purposefully came to class just a little late so she could make a grand entrance dancing her way to the pool.  Mama liked to be the life of the party wherever she went.

Having grown up poor and sometimes hungry, she would give her last dime to help or feed someone in need.  She could not stand the thought of anyone being hungry, she knew how that felt.  She  would stand in the Goodwill parking lot, waving people down who she thought might need her hand-me-downs. She never met a stranger and would strike up a conversation with anyone, anywhere at anytime.  Most importantly, Judy took care of more sick and dying people in their time of need than anyone else we know.

She will be missed greatly by all who knew her, but her family will miss her more than words can convey. Judy Carol Dover McPherson…. you are one in a million and there will never ever be another uniquely you.  We will love you forever.

Collins Funeral home is honored to serve the family of Mrs. Judy Carol Dover McPherson.