Judy Clapsaddle - In Memoriam



We are deeply saddened yet triumphantly rejoicing to share with you that our beautiful baritone singer, Judy (Castle) Clapsaddle, took hold of her Savior’s hand and was led into Glory in the early morning hours of February 4, 2017 at Mt. Carmel Medical Center while surrounded by her loving family and friends.  Judy suffered an unexpected, immediate and severe health event which resulted in severe sepsis where her body was unable to recover.  She put up a great fight for two weeks after the event, but God saw fit to call her Home to sing in His Heavenly choir.

Judy never met a stranger.  In fact, Judy was known to say, “The first time we meet, you’re my friend.  After that, you’re family.”  Family and church meant everything to Judy.  Also known by many who loved her as “Mommaw,” she lived to love people and worked tirelessly to show them the only way to Heaven; through Jesus Christ.  She spent 54 years of her life traveling the country to minister and sing the gospel through her family’s group, Soul Purpose Quartet.  Judy recorded many professional CDs with her family and received several accolades for her servitude in gospel music, but that was never her purpose.  Judy always said, “Your soul is our purpose” and truly, she lived her life to fulfill that purpose.  Judy received commendations over the years from Mayor of Columbus, Michael Coleman; District 23 Representative, Cheryl Grossman and Speaker, William Batchelder of the Ohio House of Representatives; Ohio Governor, John Kasich and Lt. Governor, Mary Taylor; and even received a special commission from Governor of Kentucky, Steven Beshear as a Kentucky Colonel.  As an active member of the First Baptist Church of Grove City and the Alpha & Omega Life Group, she and her husband promoted quarterly southern gospel concerts, in addition to the schedule she kept singing on the road.  Judy always made sure everyone had their tickets to the concerts and maintained contact with all of the churches where the group sang.  Judy was also well known for the numerous families she assisted through the grieving and end-of-life preparation process while working for Hannigan Memorial Co.  She has been laid to rest at Greenlawn Cemetery in Columbus, OH.

 



Judy Clapsaddle has been the visionary behind Soul Purpose.  Her desire to be a part of gospel music began with her music ministry in a girl’s trio called the Joy Belles in 1964, singing at the original “Teens For Christ Convention”.  This year, she would have celebrated 54 YEARS of service in gospel music and the group couldn't be more proud of her accomplishment.  She had an amazing passion for southern gospel music that has been echoed throughout her family.  She and her husband, Don vowed to raise their family in the church and have been fortunate to see each one in their family come to the saving knowledge of Jesus Christ.  One of Judy's proudest moments was realized when Soul Purpose formed.  She felt very blessed to be singing along side of her family and wouldn't have traded it for the world!  Judy and Don are the proud grandparents of three wonderful grandchildren - Justin (23), Ashley (19) and Christopher (15).

Judy is now reaping the reward of her many years serving the King by spending her eternity with the One she has sung to countless audiences about for 54 years!  What an amazing testimony her life has been!