Judith “Judi” Bliss Mallard (age 73) of Maynardville, Tennessee, passed away peacefully, surrounded by family, Friday, January 6, 2023, at Fort Sanders Regional Medical Center.  Judi was born April 18, 1949, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, to Donald Read Bliss and Virginia Hodges Bliss.

Judi attended Holston High School in Knoxville and graduated from Seneca High School in Louisville, Kentucky.  She worked at Tennessee Valley Authority as an engineer’s aide.  Later in life she became a licensed hairdresser. 

Judi was a Unitarian Universalist by faith.  She was a strong advocate for change that would provide equal justice for all, especially for those in need, “the underdogs” or those oppressed by societal inequalities. She enjoyed attending and following Tennessee Volunteers and Lady Vols sporting events.  Judi was an avid music lover as it had a soulful impact on her, and she enjoyed many live performances in her lifetime. She loved cooking and entertaining friends and family and working on home improvements.  Judi was deeply loved by those who knew her best, knowing her to be forthright, loyal, and exceptionally caring.

Judi was preceded in death by her parents and her brother Donald Read Bliss, Jr. She is survived by her devoted husband, Steve Turner Mallard; son, Eric Sinclair Bliss (Stacie); grandchildren, Hollis Granros Leitch, Ozwell Turner Bliss, and Raiya Margaret Bliss; sisters Priscilla Bliss Bullock (David), Elizabeth Sinclair Bliss, Deborah Bliss Turner, and Joanne Bliss Landers; brothers John “Jock” Barker Bliss and Loren Fuller Bliss; and many nieces, nephews, great-nieces, and great-nephews. 

In lieu of flowers, please make memorial donations to St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital, P.O. Box 1000, Dept. 142, Memphis, TN  38148-0142, or online at stjude.org/give, or by phone at (800) 822-6344.

An online Celebration of Life for Judi is scheduled for February 5, 2023 at 2:00pm EST. Please contact the family for instructions for access to the service.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy for Judi’s family may be shared online at /judith-bliss-mallard/