Judy Davidson, 72, of Reston

Judy Davidson (Rohlman) of Reston, Va., passed away on Sept. 12, 2015, in the company of her family.

Born on Sept. 20, 1942, in Billings, Mo., Judy grew up in Willard, Mo., and graduated from Willard High School in 1960. She worked at Southwestern Bell Telephone Company in Kansas City and attended Drury and Rockhurst Colleges.

Judy married Richard Davidson on Sept. 11, 1971 and they began raising a family in Mission, Kan. The family moved in 1979 to Reston, where Judy spent 26 years teaching at Hunters Woods and Forest Edge Elementary Schools.

Since her retirement in 2011, Judy enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren Aidan, Gavin, and Zachary; attending Deon King’s football games at Norfolk State University; tutoring children at Reston Regional Library; and serving on the Board of Outreach and Social Justice at Little River United Church of Christ.

Through schools and churches Judy worked humbly and tirelessly toward civil rights. She aimed to ease the impact of disadvantage and poverty on children and single mothers in her community. She dedicated herself to the field of education so she could instill confidence in her students and empower them to overcome inequitable circumstances. Mrs. Davidson leaves a legacy of compassion.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents, Warnie and Cleota Rohlman of Willard, Mo. She is survived by her husband Richard Davidson of Reston; her brother John Rohlman of Willard, Mo.; her children Brian Davidson (and Melissa) of Clifton, Va., Lesley Hawkes (and Jimmie) of Fort Collins, Col., and Rebecca McGoldrick (and Peter) of Fort Collins, Col.; and her three grandchildren.

A memorial service at Little River United Church of Christ, 8410 Little River Turnpike, Annandale, Va., is scheduled for Saturday, Sept. 19 at 1 p.m. with a reception to follow in the church social hall. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made in Judy’s name to:

• Equal Justice Initiative, 122 Commerce Street, Montgomery, Ala., 36104

• Little River UCC Judy Davidson Memorial, 8410 Little River Turnpike, Annandale, Va., 22003 (write checks to LRUCC; “Judy Davidson” in the memo space)

• Shaw Community Ministry, 1701 11th Street NW, Washington D.C. 20001