Judith Talbert

To Judith’s extended family and friends:

It is with a heavy heart; we share the news of former Social Work Services Executive Judith Galimore Talbert’s passing (February 25, 1946 – May 9, 2020).  Judith passed after suffering multiple heart attacks on the same day, due to complications of her diabetes.  

Judith was a wonderful sister, wife, mother, aunt and cousin, but most of all, a social worker with a heart and compassion to all in her path.  If you knew Judith, you knew someone who was a fantastic person with an infectious laugh, a mild manner personality, but a fire in her heart to do right by others.

Judith, a proud Spelman girl – as she kindly would remind you – was born in Indianapolis, Indiana, to the late Arnold and Ruby (Oliver) Galimore. Judith graduated from Shortridge High School, Indianapolis.  From there, she went on to Spelman College, Atlanta, GA, where she obtained her Bachelor of Arts, Microbiology, Class of 1967.  She attended Graduate School at the University of Michigan, where she acquired her Masters of Social Work, Class of 1972.

Judith worked for Wilson Ham as a Microbiologist where, after looking at hot dogs under a microscope, she decided never to eat a hot dog again.  Additionally, she worked as a microbiologist at Michael Reese Hospital.
After graduating from the University of Michigan, Judith began her social work career with Mount Sinai Hospital, Chicago, IL; Riveredge Hospital, Oak Park School District, Oak Park, IL; and Dartmouth-Hitchcock Medical Center, Hanover, NH.

Judith's career with the Department of Veterans’ Affairs started in 1990 with the Wainwright VA Medical Center, Walla Walla, WA; Philadelphia Medical Center, Philadelphia, PA, Chalmers P. Wylie VA Medical Center in Columbus, OH, and finally, Chief of Social Work at VA Boston Healthcare System.  Judith retired from her illustruous career in the VA System in 2012. Additionally, she was the president of the National Association of Social Workers.

Judith was the wife of Andrew Talbert Jr, a retiree of the Department of Veterans Affairs for 33 years until his passing in 2008. She was survived by her daughter, Jennifer (Talbert) Hawk, and son-in-law, Robert, and  granddaughter Natalie, of Philadelphia, PA. Judith also leaves behind her sister Lisa Mondy and husband, Russell, and her brother Jerrold “Jerry” Galimore.  Additionally, she was the matriarch of the Oliver family.  

Due to the current state of crisis, her family will be holding a virtual memorial service will be held on Friday, May 22, 2020, at 6:00 PM EST.  If you would like to “attend,” please email Jennifer.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to the American Diabetes Association to be made in her memory. 
If you would like to send a condolence card, please send it to:
Jennifer Talbert Hawk
6618 Algard St
Philadelphia, PA 19135
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