Judith A. Perez

Judith Anne Jones was born on October 3, 1940, to Eldon Jones and Bettie Wellman Jones in Marion, Indiana. Her mother, Bettie, was a homemaker. Her father, Eldon, worked at the Delta Electric Company and was a musician. Judie displayed musical talents at an early age. Her earliest performances were on top of a coffee table in their living room. The home, 519 W. Nelson Street, across from the old Marion High School, was filled with many happy memories. Nelson Street became a musical hub as Judie ran back and forth from her home to MHS for various musical practices. Judie was a member of PEI Sorority and the singing group “The Four Teens.” She also had the lead in various musicals: South Pacific, Oklahoma, The King and I and Brigadoon. Judie graduated from The University of Miami in Coral Gables, Florida and sang with the Singing Hurricanes. She traveled across Europe performing in the USO tour providing entertainment to the US Armed Forces. She was a member of the Delta Gamma Sorority and the sweetheart for Lambda Chi Alpha Fraternity. Judie had an incredible memory for trivia and numbers which led her to a stint on the college and university edition of Jeopardy. Judie returned to Marion and met Robert M. Perez. Judie and Bob married on July 27, 1968. Eventually, a new K-Mart opened in town and Judie worked as the greeter. Judie loved conversations about antiques, Fiestaware, college sports and Indiana high school basketball, especially the Marion Giants. The 70’s and 80’s were spent raising her children, Chris and Julie, decorating her car with purple and gold streamers and following the Marion Giants as they won multiple state basketball championships. Judie was eventually promoted to Stock Room Manager at K-Mart where she worked until she retired. Later in life, Bob and Judie enjoyed time on their back porch overlooking their pond. She sang in the church choir and in the Marion Easter Pageant. She loved garage sales and animals and enjoyed volunteering for the Humane Society Rescue Resale Shop. Judie was a life-long Hoosier. She loved her hometown and was filled with the stories about the history of Marion that she has passed down to her family. Judie is survived by her husband of 57 years, Robert Perez. Judie also leaves behind her sister, Susan Dunn. Her son, Chris Perez. Her daughter Julie (Marc) Levesque. Three stepchildren. Five grandchildren. Six great-grandchildren. Multiple nieces and nephews. And many other special friends. Her granddaughter Kristin, a future nurse, cared for her during the last few months of her life. The family requests that all flowers and notes are sent to Raven Choate Robinson Funeral Home. Donations can be made on her behalf to St. Paul Catholic Church. There will be a Celebration of Life for Judie on Friday, September 19, 2025, at St. Paul Catholic Church with visitation at 10:00 am and Mass at 11:00 am.