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In memory of

Judith Sussman Coffman

Midlothian, VA, USA

April 13, 1940 - March 11, 2020

Apr 13, 1940 - Mar 11, 2020

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Judith Sussman Coffman, age 79, joined the heavenly chorus today. She left this life, surrounded by her supporting cast — two strong, independent daughters and her loving husband of 53 years. Their story was that of an unconventional family that orbited around her extraordinary life.

Act I
Our star was born on April 13, 1940 in New Orleans, one of three hometowns she would claim (along with Chicago and Hot Springs) and the place that most captured her heart. She was a voracious reader, fashion maven and a lover of fine things, gourmet food, the performing arts and, most of all, interesting people.
After graduating from Hot Springs HS, Judith drove herself, an impeccable wardrobe and 100+ pairs of shoes to register and attend LSU. There she majored in speech and drama (naturally), shined in the center of it all as a proud cheerleader for the 1958 national championship team and followed her two sisters in initiation into Chi Omega Fraternity, a source of lifelong friendships. She later graduated from the University of Southern Mississippi, where she was named Glamour Magazine’s “best dressed co-ed,” foreshadowing her life ahead.

Act II
After a stint teaching school, her mother introduced her to Eldon “Buddy” Coffman, a handsome jockey, 8 years her senior and a star at tracks nationwide. On their first date, she drank him under the table (he only weighed about 120 lbs), which she would continue to do for the next 53 years. He proposed marriage after two weeks and they wed near Chicago just six weeks after that first date.

The newlyweds moved to Hallandale, Fla., where their story as a family began against the scenery of thoroughbred racing and it’s colorful cast of characters.

She raised two daughters, Courtney and Paige, under the Florida sun and the spotlight of commercials, film, theatre, dance and pageantry. Not to be outdone, Judith herself graced the big screen with a cameo in “Caddyshack,” the hot seat in an interview with 60 Minutes’ Morley Safer and the stage with her rousing annual performance as Mother Ginger in the “Nutcracker.”

Act III
As her girls exited stage left, her own career took off. She opened a SAG talent agency for children in South Florida that launched several young people into 80s stardom and later helped cast dozens of major films including “Cape Fear,” “Contact” and “Cocoon.”

But pageantry, where brains and talent meet beauty and fashion, is where she may have left her biggest imprint. In fact, her greatest source of pride (beyond her girls and grandchildren) was the many successful women who credit her with instilling the confidence, grace, soft skills and performance ability that eventually propelled their success in pageants, careers and life.

Throughout, our star accumulated friendships far and wide and deep as family. With an open door and open heart, she relentlessly expanded that family, becoming like a mother to many, including her treasured son-in-law, Chris, and acquiring the titles of “Aunt” and “Miss” Judith. As Aunt Judith, she brought her special brand of love, humor and discipline to caring for her own and many “adopted” nieces and nephews. As Miss Judith, many girls found her tough advice, fierce love and sense of humor exactly what they needed to realize their potential.

Act IV
Her final act was spent with daughter Paige’s family near Richmond, Va. — though it was dominated by constant travel (especially to live it up under the Times Square lights with her dear New York friends) and the boundless energy that was her signature.

Eventually, though, every show must end. At age 79, the curtain is now closed and Judith Coffman had a long, fantastic run! For her encore, Judith undoubtedly stepped into heaven costumed in the perfect pair of shoes, fabulous accessories, a big Sussman smile and hearty laugh, ready to direct the show from above.
She leaves behind her adoring husband Buddy; grateful daughters Courtney and Paige; three grandchildren McKay, Brady and Sutton, of whom she was eternally proud; and a chorus line of adults and teens who thrived because of her.

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