Mary Ellen Judson, 75, died peacefully during the early morning hours of Tuesday, March 23, 2021. A native of Columbia, she was an adored and loved daughter, sister, aunt, cousin, wife, mother, grandmother, and great grandmother.

Mary Ellen was predeceased by her parents, L. C. Howell, Jr. and Annie Laurie Daniels Howell; her brother, L. C. “Cam” Howell III (Elizabeth) and a host of aunts and uncles. She is survived by two sisters, Margie (Col. Benjamin, US Army Ret.) Martinez, GA, and Christine (Tom, MD) of Lake Toxaway, SC.

She is also survived by her husband of 58 years, Paul F. “Rickie” Judson; daughter, Debbie Davidson (Michael) and sons, Keith L. Judson and Paul F. “Rick” Judson III, MD (Tonya) of Birmingham, AL. Other surviving relatives include five grandchildren, Jarrett Judson of Fort Thomas, KY, Marlena Almeida (Bryon) of Jupiter Beach, FL, Christina Oswald of Columbia, SC, and Connor and Abigail Judson, both of Birmingham, AL. Also surviving are Mary Ellen’s four great grandchildren, Christopher Oswald, Sloane and Blaire Almeida and Spencer Judson. She is also survived by many cousins, nieces and nephews, too many to mention individually, but all of whom were loved by her.

Mary Ellen attended Columbia City Schools and was a member of the LPT social club and the Class of 1963 at Dreher High School. She earned an Associate in Accounting degree from Central Piedmont Community College in Charlotte, NC. She spent 15 years as a licensed agent for State Farm Insurance in the Raleigh/ Durham, Charlotte, Atlanta and Columbia areas. She finished her career with 10 years at BB&T as a Bank Officer in the Boyle Vaughn Insurance division.

Mary Ellen loved her friends and her family dearly. She enjoyed visits to the beach and other family trips. She was quite good on water skis, playing bridge and quilting. She and Paul enjoyed traveling when they were able, making trips to the Florida Gulf Coast, San Francisco and the California north coast, Acapulco, San Juan, Alaska, Vienna and Budapest.

Mary Ellen loved dogs, and was seldom without at least one or more. The family suggests that a contribution may be made in her name to PETS, Inc., 300 Orchard Drive, West Columbia, SC 29169.

A memorial service was held for Mary Ellen on Sunday, March 28, 2021, at 2:00 pm at Caughman-Harman Funeral Home, Lexington Chapel, 503 North Lake Drive, Lexington 29072. A visitation followed the service.