Judith Meyer Hiles

Judith M. Hiles was a wife, mother, grandmother, sister, educator, Ph.D., and friend extraordinaire. Born on May 6, 1940 in Evanston, Illinois, she passed away suddenly on Sunday, January 24, 2016. Fondly known as Judy or Mom, she touched so many lives on so many levels. She spent her high school years at the top of her class attending Evanston High School. There she was voted President of the student body and went on to graduate with honors. She attended the University of Michigan and was proud to be a Wolverine. She earned her bachelor's degree in Classics. Her educational pace was uninterrupted as she was immediately accepted into Northwestern University. There she earned her Master's Degree in Education in 1964.

In 1965 she married the love of her life, J.W. Buck Hiles, in Chicago, Illinois. They moved to Birmingham, Alabama where Judy was hired as the first faculty member at Mountain Brook High School. After moving to Atlanta in 1971 Judy's life-career continued to develop as a stay-at-home mom with her two daughters. She felt strongly that her role was to ensure their adjustment to school and become self-sufficient students. Once she felt they were ready, she accepted a job to teach at Brandon Hall in Dunwoody, Georgia. Soon, she was called to take on the job as a Latin teacher at North Springs High School.

Teaching was engaging for Judy, but her passion was learning. In the late 1980's she enrolled in the Doctoral program at Georgia State University. Within five years Judy earned her Ph.D. in Adult Literacy. During this time she also took on the role of Director of Curriculum at Holy Innocents' Episcopal private school in Sandy Springs. In addition, she served as the chair of their Foreign Language Department.

While working in the school setting in various roles during the week, Judy continued to help children and adults develop their spiritual capacity as a member of Sandy Springs Christian Church. At SSCC she was the first woman to serve as a Deacon and Chair of the Elders. In addition, she served on the search committee for new ministers. She also started a group for adults called Parenthesis People. Her impact at Sandy Springs Christian Church was positive and notable.

"Dr. Judy" continued to share her passion for teaching and learning as a member of Leadership Sandy Springs. She helped coordinate numerous events to celebrate the great place in which she and her family for more than 42 years.

In July of 2014, Buck and Judy moved to Brookhaven at Lanier Ridge in Cumming, Georgia. Here they have enjoyed expanding their horizons by meeting new people and adding to their extended family.

Friday, January 29, 2016

Johns Creek Presbyterian Church
10950 Bell road
Johns Creek, GA 30097