By Rick Howlett
Judy Lynn Kelly, a country singer who left the music business to become a minister, has died at her home in Jeffersonville, Indiana. She was 74. 
A relative tells the Assoicated Press that Kelly died Wednesday after suffering from congestive heart failure.
According to the website hillbilly-music.com, Kelly, who performed under the name Judy Lynn, rose to fame after touring with a group of Grand Ole Opry performers as a teenager. She was hired to fill in for Jean Shepherd, who had become ill during a stop in the northwest.
Kelly retired from the music business in 1980 to enter the ministry.
Survivors include a daughter and numerous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.
Her funeral will be Tuesday at Christ Gospel Church in Jeffersonville.
(Image from www.hillbilly-music.com)
{ 3 comments }
I was a disc jockey during the 60s and played country/western music. Judy would send me Christmas cards every Christmas. One time I was in Las Vegas to one of her shows. She found out I was in the audience and during the break, she came to our table and sat and talked to us. After the break, she dedicated the next song to me. She was a wonderful singer and a great lady.
I became Judy Lynn’s biggest fan at the age of 12 when I first heard “Hello Operator” on the radio. To this day I remain her biggest fan. I had seen over 200 of her shows over the years. This developed into a friendship during and after her career in show business. I will miss her dearly. She was a great singer, entertainer, and such a down to earth person.
I met Judy Lynn through my sister, as she was one of her biggest fans………..if not the biggest. We attended many shows and Judy ALWAYS recognized us in the crowd and would ALWAYS dedicate a song for us. She was one fantastic showman and singer. But MOST of all a GREAT and loving person. My son was born on Judy’s birthday and she never ever missed sending him a card. That’s just the kind of person she was. We will miss you Judy, but we know you are singing in heaven now.
Comments on this entry are closed.