Judy Green, age 68, of Lebanon, Tennessee passed away in her home on Sunday, October 11, 2026 after battling a long illness. She was born Judy Ann Kinslow on February 10, 1959 in Carthage, Tennessee to the late Coleman and Anna Mae Kinslow. Judy was raised on her parents’ farm in the quiet community of Rome outside of Carthage. She attended Union Heights Elementary and Smith County High School, graduating in 1977. During her high school years, Judy was a member of the band and began working on her dream career as a nurse at the hospital in Carthage. She was inspired to become a nurse by Smith County nurse, Geraldine Reich, the mother of Judy’s childhood best friend, Venessa (Reich) Denney. Judy loved being a nurse, particularly the fast pace of the ER, more than anything and continued advancing in her career at Summit and UMC hospitals until the birth of her daughter.
Judy was known to go above and beyond to help those in need medically and personally. She enjoyed getting to understand peoples’ lives and was sought out by many for her wise advice. She was very kind and patient in dealing with others. She always fought for the underdog. Her loving and gentle nature extended not only to people, but to animals. While she was short in stature, she had a big personality, was quick-witted, and was as feisty as they come when needed.
Judy married the love of her life and best friend, Hugh Green on December 19, 1987. In January of 2000, they were blessed with their daughter, Kennedy Sloane Green. Judy was a wonderful mother to her two children, Ryan Lankford and Kennedy Green and a wonderful grandmother to her grandson Gabriel Lankford. Judy also had the privilege of helping raise five of her nephews and niece in the early 90’s, forming a special relationship with the youngest nephew, Jace Green. Being a mother, grandmother, wife, and nurse were her greatest passions in this life.
Judy is preceded in death by her parents Coleman and Anna Mae Kinslow. She is survived by her husband Hugh Green.; two children Ryan Lankford and Kennedy Green as well as her nephew Jace (Miranda) Green and their children, Emmaline, Eliza, and Jace Landen Green Jr.; brother Dr. Phil (Paula) Kinslow; grandson Gabriel Lankford; nieces and nephews Amy Kinslow, Jenny (Tim) Harlan, Paul (Erika) Kinslow, Jordan (Carrie) Green, Jenna (Jimmy) Christian, John (Tandi) Green, Joe Green Jr.; Jimmy (Karen) Green, Jr., Hayley Green, Keith (Karen) Green; cousin Faye Hendrix, and other extended relatives.
Visitation will be held at Sellars Funeral Home in Lebanon on October 22, 2026 at 4:00 p.m. followed by a Celebration of Life at 6:00 p.m.
In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation to Safe Haven Family Shelter https://safehaven.org or Feed America First https://www.feedamericafirst.com/donate, causes which were near and dear to Judy’s heart.
Sellars Funeral Home, Lebanon TN, 615.444.9393.
