We lost a Wonder Woman this April—Judith Southard, a longtime Florida NOW member and a lifelong women’s rights activist. She was in her eighties and had been fighting cancer, but her dedication to justice never wavered. Even in her final days, she asked her family to attend the April 5 protest on her behalf—and they did.
I loved Judith. She befriended me, and I was always inspired by her deep and unwavering commitment to our movement. Just a few years ago, she traveled to Tallahassee to join us for a Bans Off Our Bodies action, holding signs on the roadside with the same passion she brought to over 65 years of feminist advocacy. Judith was a force—a true Wonder Woman. She remained informed, vocal, and connected to others until the very end. Her courage and activism shaped a full and powerful life, and she leaves behind a legacy that calls each of us to continue the work.
Judith was the matriarch of a truly phenomenal family, all based in Deland, who are feeling this loss profoundly. Our hearts go out to them.
Per Judith’s wishes, the family is not accepting flowers or gift baskets. Instead, they invite donations to causes close to her heart:
