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Obituary

Judy Barton was born November 14, 1953, to John Cooper and Frances
Cooper, in Cincinnati, OH, where she spent most of her life. She attended
and graduated from Woodward High School in 1972. After graduating
from high school, she enrolled at the University of Cincinnati to study
early childhood education. While attending the University, she was
initiated into the Zeta Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. Upon
leaving the University of Cincinnati, Judy decided to continue her
education, ultimately earning a master’s degree in early childhood
education from the University of Nevada. While working to earn her
degree, she embarked upon her career in early childhood education,
where she worked until she retired. She married Terry Barton in 1990,
and they later decided to make Las Vegas, NV, their home.

Judy had a love and enthusiasm for children of all ages. Her excitement
was evident not only in her career in early childhood education, but she
often opened her doors to show love and help children in the foster care
system that were considered high risk. Her mantra was every child
deserves to be loved. She was passionate about bringing out the best in
people and a champion for positive change. Over the years, she was the
foster mother to more than 20 children and was affectionately known as
“Big Mama.”

In addition to her love for children, Judy also enjoyed traveling. Her
fondness for travel took her to many places, including the Bahamas,
Aruba, Puerto Rico, and various destinations within the United States.
Judy also enjoyed the sport of gambling. Her move to Las Vegas was not
by happenstance. She took pleasure in visiting local casinos and was
known to be a frequent player of Bingo.

Judy was zestful and full of life. With her infectious personality, she was
sure to make you feel special when in her presence. Family was important
to Judy. She had a strong bond with her sisters. It was important for them
to make sure they kept in touch and checked on each other often. Her
mother, Frances, was her best friend. Frances and Judy could usually be
found enjoying their favorite game, Bingo.

We will miss Judy. She was preceded in death by her husband, Terry
Barton, and parents John and Frances Cooper. She leaves to cherish her
legacy daughters Kenya Bolton of Atlanta, GA and Jasmine Barton of Las
Vegas, NV; sisters Theresa Towns, Wanda Cooper, Laura Chun (Marc)
and a host of nieces, nephews, other family members, and friends.