Judy Boyce Perry was presented the 2019 Massie Medal for Distinguished Achievement at the Garden Club of Virginia annual meeting on May 8, hosted by the Elizabeth River Garden Club. The members of her club were overjoyed to have one of their own honored in Judy’s hometown of Portsmouth, surrounded by her family, including granddaughters Ainsley (left) and Audrey.
Judy’s depth and breadth of service since 1975 is evident in the positions she has held in the GCV. Judy has served as GCV flower shows chairman, horticulture chairman, artistic judge, director at large, and second vice president. Currently Judy is the GCV historian, a member of the restoration committee, editor of Restoration News and, for the past three years, is the restoration fellowships chairman.
Within her club Judy has served as the president; chaired GCV board of governors, annual meetings, flower shows; and authored Styles of Flower Arranging: A Primer, 1991 and Styles of Flower Arranging: Contemporary Designs, 2006, which have been, successful, ongoing fundraisers for Elizabeth River. Judy’s many activities within her community, and especially in conjunction with her club’s Common Wealth Award-winning project, Paradise Creek Nature Park, have earned her admiration among her club members and throughout the City of Portsmouth. This year Judy is the recipient of the First Citizen of Portsmouth, one of the highest honors bestowed on a member of the community.
“Judy has been a guiding force for the restoration committee and an intrepid leader of the research fellowship committee. In both roles, she has been unfailingly perceptive, discerning and sensible,” said GCV Landscape Architect William Rieley.
Her dedication in believing that everyone has a gift to share, and her ability to be a confidence builder to encourage others to lead and contribute, make Judy a most worthy recipient of this highest honor bestowed on a GCV member.
