Judith Drake Williams

Our cherished Judith Lee Drake Williams passed away peacefully on April 3, 2024, with her devoted husband of 63 years, Ernie Edward Williams, and loving daughter, Karen Williams Ayala at her side.

Judy was born on September 18, 1942 in San Diego to the late Myron Herrick Drake and Ruth Arline Charlesworth Drake. Growing up in the Rolando neighborhood with her dear late sister, Patricia Ann Drake Roeder, Judy met her future husband as a teenager, and they courted for two years before marrying in June 1961 at The Little Chapel of the Roses. 

After graduating from Crawford High School in 1960, Judy attended Kelsey-Jenney business school, and then began working for Pacific Telephone & Telegraph downtown. In 1965, Judy moved with her husband to El Cajon, and soon afterward turned her attention to being an extraordinary homemaker and family caretaker. She was always an enthusiastic "class mom" in her daughter's elementary schools, and was beloved for her kindness and sweet, gentle demeanor. 

In both high school and as a young member of Rolando Methodist Church, Judy loved to sing, and she enjoyed music of all types. As an adult she was a member of La Mesa First United Methodist Church (a/k/a "FUMCLM") and was an active volunteer and "handbell mom" whenever she was called. 

Judy was "game" for just about any adventure, including camping trips to numerous national parks and along the Northern California coast, many visits to the beach, the USS Midway, the Zoo and Safari Park with the grandkids, and even a week-long backpacking journey through the High Sierras! 

She was also an accomplished seamstress, making clothes for her family including formal gowns for her daughter, and in later years, she hand-crafted soft dolls, and fashioned outfits for her teddy bear collection. An avid reader, Judy also had a distinct love of paper dolls, accumulating a sizable library of catalogs over the years. 

Judy was a great listener, giving the wise and insightful advice that only an introspective soul can offer. She lived life with grace and fortitude, always at the ready to help a friend in need, with a smile and a kind word. But above all, she loved with her whole heart, ensuring that her family knew the comfort of being loved unconditionally.  Her caring, patient nature endeared her to many, and she will be very sorely missed.

In addition to her husband and daughter, Judy is survived by her son-in-law Andy Ayala; grandchildren Megan (Joey Leurs), and Tyler; niece Laura Roeder (Dennis); nephew Edward Roeder (Ruth) and their children Spencer, Alexander and Ruby; brother-in-law Robert Roeder; sister-in-law Joyce Richardson and her children Darla Orbistondo (John) and Ronald Richardson (Christine); and many other dear friends and relatives. 

Services will be private.