Judy Elaine Petit, 77

Mrs. Judy Elaine Petit, 77, passed away suddenly and peacefully at her home on Sept. 23, 2026.

She was born on Aug. 18, 1949 in Van Buren County, near Crain Hill to Theiron and Lela Bouldin. She attended and graduated from Irving College School in 1967. Throughout her time in school, she joined a pen pal program and was paired with a boy, Jean-Claude Petit. They remained in close contact throughout the years, eventually meeting up, falling in love and getting married on June 12, 1970. After the wedding they moved to and lived in France for four years before moving and settling in McMinnville for the remainder of their lives. In 1983, she and her husband established J’s Restaurant in the Three Star Mall, that is in operations to this day. 

In addition to her parents, Judy was preceded in death by her husband, Jean-Claude Petit Sr; brothers Kenneth Bouldin, David Bouldin, and sister Sandra (Bobby) Sparkman.

She is survived by her sons, Jean-Claude (Samantha) Petit Jr, and Jordan (Reena) Petit; grandchildren, Isabella Petit, Jaina Petit and Jean-Claude Petit III; brother, Dennis Bouldin; sister, Sharon (Kerry) McPeak and several nephews, nieces, extended family and friends.

Judy was born and raised in the Church of Christ and attended many churches throughout the community before calling West Riverside Church of Christ her home. Judy enjoyed volunteering throughout her lifetime to various organizations including the Rescue Squad, Battered Women’s Shelter and, in recent years, Caring Hearts United. She loved to listen to singing, as well as sing herself. For a number of years she participated with a local women’s Barbershop singing group. Judy loved to travel and led a few tour groups to different parts of the USA. Jean-Claude also took her to various trips and cruises around the world. She was lost at the passing of her husband, but her emptiness was filled with births of her grandchildren who she adored and loved unconditionally, flying to Australia to see her granddaughters a few times. Her grandson (and hero), filled a void in her life like no other.

Memorial service will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2026 in High’s Chapel with Garland Robinson and Jason Gann officiating. Burial will follow at Crain Hill Cemetery in Warren County. Visitation will be Monday, Oct. 5, 2026 from 4 p.m. until 8 p.m. and Tuesday, Oct. 6, 2026 from 11 a.m. until time of service at High’s.

Online condolences may be made at www.highfuneralhome.com.

High Funeral Home and High’s Cremations, Inc. are in charge of arrangements.

Main Street Journal

Sept. 30, 2026