FRANKLIN - On Friday, Sept. 16, 2022, Judith L. (Outcalt) Perry-Wheeler, a beloved wife, mother, sister and friend passed away. She was 75. She was born to Ralph and Lillian Outcalt of Whitingham, Vermont. She was one of four children growing up in the green mountains of Vermont.
She graduated salutatorian from Whitingham High School in 1965. She received several degrees through the University of South Florida with the proudest moment being the honor of a doctorate in sociology in 2001. It was through the USF Sociology Department that she met Raymond Wheeler over email correspondence. When he returned from overseas, Ray took her out to dinner as promised in one of their last emails. They were married Oct. 21, 1994, and he has been the love of her life for almost 28 years.
Judy worked as a senior statistician at USF before retiring in 2001 and relocating with Ray to the beautiful mountains of North Carolina. She and Ray quickly became part of Franklin’s wonderful community. She enjoyed traveling, hiking, reading, and a local writing and book club. In her recent years, when physical limitations kept her from traveling or hiking, she loved to sit on the porch enjoying the mountain views and watching a variety of birds. She loved playing Scrabble and beat her challengers even in very recent days.
She published the book “The Art of the Bedpan” in 2017, recounting the struggles of living with motor ataxia and being cared for by others. Although Judy had some challenging times, she was so much stronger than she ever realized or gave herself credit for.
Above all her accomplishments, she was most proud of her children and grandchildren. She took such joy from messages, pictures and videos of them and hearing about their lives.
She is survived by her husband, Raymond Wheeler of Franklin; children, Alex Perry and Heather (Perry) Greist; stepchildren, Art Wheeler and Sarah Caverhill; her beautiful grandchildren, Kristie Caverhill, Nathan Greist, David Greist, Jonathan Greist and Benjamin Greist; brothers, Arthur Outcalt and Floyd Outcalt; and sister, Jane (Outcalt) Lester. She is loved and remembered by many cousins, nieces, nephews, family and friends.
It was Judy’s wishes to not have a funeral but to celebrate her life when family gathers.
Her last wishes were for friends and family to: “Remember the spirit of love in me honors the spirit of love in you. Remember me with laughter and love. Know because of you all, I have had a wonderful life.” -Judy Perry
Online condolences may be made at moffittfunerals.com. Moffitt Family Funeral Care is honored to serve such a great lady and her family.