Judy Kay O’Bryan

Judy Kay O’Bryan, 66, Columbia Mo., passed away on Feb. 21, 2023 at University Hospital in Columbia, Mo. She fought with chronic health issues for many years. 

 Judy was born Jan. 27, 1957 in Quincy, Ill., to Michael and Ruth Woolsey Kessell. She was the youngest of their five children. 

She grew up in Emerson, Mo., attended school in Philadelphia, Mo. and then graduated high school from Palmyra, Mo. She earned an associate degree from Hannibal-LaGrange College in Hannibal, Mo. 

Shortly after graduating, she ran off with the carnival and spent a summer working for them. 

After her return, she met Robert O’Bryan, and they married on Dec. 27, 1980 in Emerson, Mo. 

She worked a short time for McDonalds, then she worked for several years with children in both daycare and as a Sunday school teacher. She also volunteered for several years at Parkade Elementary while her daughter was in school. 

She was a devoted wife and an involved mother, and she was a strong believer.  

She is survived by her husband, Robert O’Bryan; her only daughter, Nicole O’Bryan; three siblings, DonnaSue Kessell, David Kessell and Barbara Goff; many nieces and nephews and a loving extended family. 

She was preceded in death by her brother; James Michael Kessell; and her parents. 

Funeral service will be at 10 a.m., Feb. 28 with burial to follow at 2 p.m. in Missouri Veterans Cemetery, Jacksonville, Mo.

Visitation will be 4 to 6 p.m., Monday, Feb. 27 at Memorial Funeral Home, 1217 Business Loop 70 West, Columbia. 

Memorials may be made to Family Worship Center (FWCCOMO), 4925 E Bonne Femme Church Rd, Columbia, Mo. 65201 or to the Fraternal order of Eagles, 2513 Stadium Blvd., Columbia, Mo. 65202.

Condolences and fond memories may be shared at www.memorialfuneralhomeandcemetery.com.