Judy Gleaton Connell Smith

Judy Gleaton Connell Smith, 79, born December 1, 1944, a lifelong resident of Plant City, Fla., died peacefully April 22, 2024, surrounded by her family. She was preceded in death by her husband of 46 years, James “Jim” H. Connell; and her parents, W.L. “Bill” and Magaline Jent Gleaton

She is survived by her husband of 9 years, Phillip “Phil” C. Smith; children, William “Bill” J. Connell (Jayme), Carrie L. Mahon, and Kay Mullis; grandchildren, Shelby Conrad (Klay), Jackson Connell, Maggie Mahon, Martie Mahon, and James Mullis (Kerry).

Judy was crowned the first Little Miss Plant City in 1955, and was the head cheerleader at Plant City High School. She graduated from Florida Southern College with a degree in Education, and she taught at Jackson Elementary School, and Turkey Creek Junior High School for 27 years.

Judy was a farmer for the entirety of her adult life, as she shared a poultry and cattle farm with her late husband Jim, and continued to live on the farm until her passing. Judy watched thousands of ball games during her life as her children and grandchildren have played and coached high school and college athletics over the past 42 years. She also enjoyed working at the Parkesdale booth at the Strawberry Festival for most of her retirement years.

Judy was blessed with a second marriage to Phil Smith in 2015, and they have enjoyed traveling and spending time with their families over the past decade.

A funeral service will be held on Monday, April 29th at 11:00 A.M. at First Baptist Church, 3309 James L. Redman Parkway, Plant City where the family will receive friends at 10:00 A.M. Committal to follow at Memorial Park Cemetery, Plant City.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the South Florida Baptist Hospital Foundation at 301 N. Alexander St., Plant City, FL 33563; the H.B. Plant High School Girls Basketball Program at 2415 S. Himes Ave, Tampa, FL 33629; the Quincy Notre Dame High School Foundation at 1400 S. 11th St., Quincy, IL 62301; or you could take your mother to dinner tonight, and let her know how much she is loved.