Judith B. McGinnis, Leon HS Graduate & Lifelong Seminole, Dies at 87

Judith B. McGinnis, 87, of Tallahassee, born on March 10th, 1938, and affectionately known as “Judi B” and “Miss Judi” passed away peacefully August 26th, 2025.

Born in Tallahassee to Charles and Catherine Benedict, she grew up as a native Tallahassean. She graduated from Leon High School, was in the band, May Court and then graduated from Florida State University with a Bachelor of Science degree. She was a member of the FSU Flying High Circus specializing as the woman on the Flying Trapeze. A lifelong Seminole, she loved watching and cheering on the Noles whether at Doak Campbell Stadium or with family and friends.

In her early career she was the Director of Palmer Monroe Recreation Center where she shaped the lives of many of the youth on the Tallahassee West Side. She went on to work for the Tallahassee Democrat in advertising, was Executive Director of the Tallahassee Open PGA Golf Tournament for 8 years and finished her career as the Director of Marketing with Benedict Engineering Company working along side her brother Charles E. “Ched” Benedict.

Always active, in her retirement she created “Judi B’s Gluten Free” line of gluten free products she would promote and sell at the Saturday Tallahassee Market.

As an avid golfer she was a member of Winewood (now Hilaman) and Capital City Country Clubs (Club Champion for many years), loved the beach, traveling, cooking, the arts, her active bridge group, playing card games and gin rummy with her family and was active in all things Episcopalian with the Church of the Advent locally. Her faith was her passion with service through Christ with the Alter Guild, Thursday bible study, a Lay Reader, Advent Vestry and many other Church of the Advent groups.

She was preceded in death by her sister Sarah Watson, her brother William Benedict and grandsons Ariel and Jonathan McGinnis. She is survived by her sister and brother, Mary Ann Clarke and Charles E. “Ched” Benedict, her three sons Kevin Willingham, Lance McGinnis and Scott McGinnis as well as 8 grandchildren and 1 great grandchild.

Her quick wit, infectious laugh, radiant smile and always caring personality will be fondly remembered.

A Memorial Service and Celebration of Life Reception will be held at the Episcopal Church of the Advent September 13th 2025 at 11AM located at 815 Piedmont Drive, Tallahassee, FL 32312.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Big Bend Hospice or the charity of choice in Judi’s name.