Judith "Judy" Jacobs

Judith Evon Jacobs, 75, of Drexel, Missouri, passed away on March 13, 2026, at the Kansas City Hospice House in Kansas City, Missouri. Born on February 3, 1951, to Kenneth and Helen Ruth Gunnels at their home on State Line Road in Drexel, she grew up in the area and graduated from Drexel High School in 1969. She married her husband, Donald Jacobs, on March 13, 1971, in Merwin, Missouri.

Known affectionately as “Grammy J,” Judy was a woman of deep faith who approached every task with wholehearted dedication. She spent many years teaching children and youth at Merwin Christian Church, guiding them from the nursery through high school and joining them on trips to CIY in Oklahoma and Young Christians Weekend in Branson. Her family was the center of her world, and she took special pride in her grandchildren and great-granddaughter, eagerly sharing stories and photographs with anyone who would listen. In July of 2025, God’s timing allowed the family one cherished vacation together, creating memories that will remain with them always.

Judy was preceded in death by her brother, Jim Bob Gunnels; her parents, Kenneth and Helen Ruth Gunnels; her nephew, Jeremy Gunnels; her brothers and sisters-in-law, Joseph Jacobs, Kathy Purkey, and Sheryl Yoakum; and her mother- and father-in-law, Elmer and Sarah Alene Jacobs.

She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Don Jacobs; her daughters, Dawn Denise (Del) Elffner and Jennifer (Chuck) Martin; her siblings, Jay Gunnels, Jo (Tim) Billingsly, and Jan Rush; and her sister-in-law, Jackie Gunnels. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Marissa (Tanner) Townley, Alec Elffner, Jacob (Laura) Martin, Mason (Kenna) Martin, and Abby Elffner; her great-granddaughter, Emerie Rae Townley; and many nieces, nephews, and great-nieces and great-nephews.