Judith Walters

Judith Gumbiner Walters

December 28, 1937 – October 14, 2025

Judith Gumbiner Walters, age 87, of Savannah, Georgia, passed away peacefully on October 14, 2025, at her daughter’s home in West Hartford, Connecticut, surrounded by her loving family.

Born in St. Paul, Minnesota, on December 28, 1937, to Gladys and Julian Gumbiner, Judy is survived by her devoted husband of 63 years, Phillip Walters; her son Douglas Walters (Julie); her daughter Jennifer Murphy; and her beloved grandchildren Ben (Katie) and Andrew Walters and Jack and Mason Murphy.

Judy spent her childhood in the Brookside neighborhood of Kansas City, Missouri, and graduated from Southwest High School in 1955. She went on to attend the University of Kansas, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in English in 1959. Judy was a member of Delta Delta Delta sorority.

Judy and Phil were married in 1963 at Second Presbyterian Church in Kansas City. At the heart of Judy’s life was her unwavering devotion to her family. She supported Phil as their business grew, while also nurturing their home with warmth, humor, and steadfast love. Through her example, Judy taught her children—and later her grandchildren—the enduring importance of faith, education, service, charity, and etiquette. Her thoughtfulness was profound; friends and family alike treasured her heartfelt handwritten letters marking milestones, anniversaries, and birthdays.

She was a gracious hostess whose gatherings were filled with laughter and elegance. Judy deeply cherished the many lasting friendships she formed in every community she called home—including Columbia, Missouri; Cordillera, Colorado; Lanai, Hawaii; and Savannah, Georgia.

A lifelong Presbyterian and later an Episcopalian, Judy’s faith journey began at Second Presbyterian Church in Kansas City. Moving to Savannah in 2016, Christ Church Episcopal became her cherished spiritual home, and the love and fellowship of that congregation sustained her through her later years.

A Celebration of Life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 8, 2025, at Christ Church Episcopal, Savannah, Georgia. A reception will follow at The Oglethorpe Club. Inurnment will take place at Columbia Cemetery, Columbia, Missouri, at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, November 22, 2025.

In lieu of flowers, a memorial gift may be made to the Arthritis Foundation or another charity of your choice.