Judith Gail Higginbotham Albertson Gaines

Mrs. Judith Gail “Judy” Higginbotham Albertson Gaines, 72, of Washington Highway, Elberton, passed away peacefully on Saturday, October 15, 2022, at Piedmont Athens Regional Hospital.

Judy was born in Elberton on March 10, 1950, daughter of the late Joseph Carter Higginbotham, Sr. and Frankie Wadene Poore Higginbotham. She was a 1968 graduate of Elbert County High School and furthered her educational at Truett McConnell College. Judy dedicated her life to caring for others. She worked as a Licensed Practical Nurse at Abbeville Nursing Home and finished out her career as a MDS/Care Plan Coordinator at Nancy Hart Nursing Center. Judy wore many hats at the nursing home, and completed each task diligently, professionally, and compassionately.

Judy was a longtime active member of Fortsonia Baptist Church, where she was involved with many activities as long has her health permitted. She will be lovingly remembered as the “card lady”, often sending out as many as twenty greeting cards a day to friends, family, neighbors, and strangers alike.

Judy celebrated 39 years of marriage to Don LeGare Albertson until his death in 2009. They were blessed with two sons, Jason LeGare Albertson (Kelly) of Elberton and Scott Glenn Albertson of Taylors, SC; and two grandchildren: Austin Albertson and Kip Albertson.

Judy married Richard Strouther Gaines, III in 2016 and enjoyed 6 years of marital bliss. In doing so, she gained three additional children: Thomas Gaines (Courtney) of Cumming, Heather Kolodin (Adam) of Canton, and Richie Gaines (Jane) of Atlanta; and seven additional grandchildren: Alexis, Peyton, Sophia, Rylee, Zoe’, Jeffrey, and Jezell.

Additionally, she is survived by her siblings: Barbara H. Fortson (Ron) of Hartwell and Joe Higginbotham, Jr. (Cathy Gibson) of Elberton; and numerous nieces, nephews, and other relatives.

Memorial services celebrating Judy’s life will be held on her and Richard’s anniversary, Saturday, October 22, at 3 o’clock at Fortsonia Baptist Church with the Rev. Al Butler officiating. Burial will be in the Fortsonia Community Cemetery.

The family is at the residence of Jason and Kelly Albertson, 2120 Washington Highway, Elberton, and will greet friends at the church immediately following the service on Saturday.

Flowers are accepted and contributions may be made in her memory to Fortsonia Baptist Church, 2616 Washington Highway, Elberton, GA 30635 or to T.J. & Friends Foundation, PO Box 6161, Elberton, GA 30635.

Those wishing may sign the online guestbook at www.berryfh.com.

Berry Funeral Home & Crematory of Elberton is respectfully in charge of arrangements for Mrs. Judith Gail “Judy” HIgginbotham Albertson Gaines.