Mrs. Judy Elaine Buffington, 63

Judy Elaine Gooch Buffington  January 10, 1949 ~ July 4, 2012

            Judy Elaine Gooch Buffington claimed her true Independence from this earthly home into her Precious Heavenly mansion, July 4, 2012. She made her passing in the midst of much love and was surrounded by her family.

            Funeral services are scheduled for 10:00 am Saturday, July 7, 2012 at Riverbend Baptist Church with interment to follow in Memorial Park Cemetery. The Reverend Rick Goodspeed will officiate. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 pm Thursday, July 05, 2012 and 2 to 4 and 6 to 8 pm Friday, July 6, 2012 at the funeral home.

            She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard “Rip” Buffington, her parents, Hoyt and Betty Jo (West) Gooch; in-laws, Hamp and Dorothy Buffington.

            She is survived by her children, daughter, Dawn and son-in-law Eric Porter, son, Brent and daughter-in-law, Sherry Buffington; and son, Bart and daughter-in-law, Jamie Buffington; grandchildren, Kreed Coley and Jordyn Porter, Bree and Brooke Buffington and Tucker and Tanner Buffington. Brother, Joel and sister-in-law, Shirley Gooch; brother, Jackie Gooch and fiancé, Connie Woodall; sister-in-law, Shirley Reed; brother/sister-in-law, Brian “Buffy” and Lisa Buffington; and numerous nieces and nephews and very special friends.

            She leaves behind a wonderful legacy of a truly devoted Christian woman. Her spiritual faithfulness as a powerful prayer warrior was such an inspiration to the many lives that she touched. Her loving nature and caring spirit was her most prevalent trait. She devoted her life to lead her family, and to take care of each one. Her selflessness and caretaking were not a choice, but her way of life. She supported her family as a teller in the banking industry for many years, and then chose to be a loving guide to many little ones as a Paraprofessional at White Sulphur Elementary School for 12 years.

            She was always a strong fighter in her life. Through the loss of her true love 31 years ago, to the final days of her courageous battle with cancer, she proved that each day is a gift and that life is worth living. Her strength never seemed weak, and her faith was always HEAVEN STRONG.

            In lieu of flowers, if you wish, please make donations to Northeast Georgia Medical Center Hospice 2150 Limestone Parkway Gainesville, GA 30501.

            Memorial Park North Riverside Chapel 989 Riverside Drive Gainesville, GA 30501. 770-297-6200 or for online condolences www.memorialparkfuneralhomes.com.