Racine – Judith Mae Prior, 73, passed away at her residence on Sunday, October 26, 2014. She was born in Plymouth, Indiana, on June 18, 1941, daughter of Pearl John (P.J.) and Mary (nee: Kesling) Hamilton.
Judith graduated from Crown Point High School in 1959. She received her B.S. in Education from Indiana
University in 1964. Judith received her Master of Library Science from Indiana University in 1966. She was a librarian for University of Wisconsin – Parkside for 43 years until her retirement in 2001. Judith also authored textbooks for colleges and universities around the country. She was a keynote speaker for many library conventions over the years.
Judith loved the opera and would attend performances whenever she could in Milwaukee and Chicago.
She was also an animal lover and enjoyed spending time with her canine and feline companions.
Judith leaves to cherish her memory, her mother, Mary Luke of Crawfordsville, IN; sisters, Elaine Sims of Greencastle, IN, Myra Smith of Byron, IL; nephews, John Sims of Greencastle, IN, Travis Sims of Charleston, IL; nieces, Christina Smith of Des Plaines, IL, Sandra Von Cagney-Lenth of Stillman Valley, IL, Windy Smith of Miami Beach, FL, and Rio Smith of Bronx, NY, April Polk of Racine, Tracy Lane-Hall of Jonesboro GA, Sister in-law Mary Jean Lane of Racine.
Judith is preceded in death by her father, Rev. P.J. Hamilton; former husband, A.G. Pryor; and mother-in-law, Johnie Mae Cooper.
A memorial celebration of Judith’s life will be held on Saturday, November 1, 2014, 11:00am, at St. Michael Catholic Church, 4701 Erie Street, with Fr. David Miracle officiating.
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