Judith Ann Purdon, 86, of Pawnee, Illinois, died Tuesday, April 6, 2021, at Memorial Medical Center in Springfield. Judi was born Nov. 6, 1934, in Bluffs, the daughter of James Howard and Ella Mae Brickman Gunn. She married James H. Purdon on May 7, 1956, and was married for 52 years. She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband in 2008; and a brother, Jerry Gunn. Judi attended school at Big Neck and graduated from Golden High School. She graduated from Knox College with a bachelor's degree in education. She then taught school in Webster Grove, Missouri. Her career also included teaching at schools in St. Louis, Pasadena, California, Springfield and Pawnee for 56 years. She spent 40 years teaching kindergarten and pre-K in Pawnee. She loved teaching school but often said her greatest accomplishments were her own children and grandchildren, whom she enjoyed spending a lot of time with. Judi led a full and eventful life and will be greatly missed by her family. She was a member of the Pawnee United Methodist Church, AMVETS Ladies Auxiliary, AMBUCS Ladies Auxiliary and Springfield Elks Ladies #158. Judi is survived by her son, James H. Purdon II, of Pawnee; one daughter, Janene Purdon-Menke, of Springfield; six grandchildren, Mercedes Menke, Nichole Purdon, Anastasia Menke, Mark Menke, America Purdon and Jasmine Purdon; one great-grandson, Keegan Menke; one niece; and one nephew. Judi's family will meet friends from 4 p.m. to 6 p.m. Monday, April 12, 2021, at Pawnee United Methodist Church in Pawnee. A funeral service will be held at 11:30 a.m. Tuesday, April 13, 2021, at the church with Rev. Chuck Kurfman officiating. Burial will be at Camp Butler National Cemetery in Springfield. Memorial contributions may be made to the Pawnee Grade School Pre-K Program, 810 Fourth St., Pawnee, IL 62558 or the Pawnee United Methodist Church, 402 Sixth St., Pawnee, IL 62558. Curry Funeral Home in Pawnee is serving the family of Judi Purdon. Online condolences may be expressed at www.curryfh.com.