NAPLES – Jebry, a well known singer in the Naples and Marco Island area, passed away peacefully Friday, October 11, 2024, after a long illness.

She was born July 14, 1944, in Hollywood, California, and began singing as a young child. Judy had a wide range of style: singing jazz, country, pop and gospel. She began her singing career at age 22 with Harry James and his orchestra for two years and then branched off to appear as a guest artist on the Mike Douglas, Merv Griffin and Jackie Gleason shows. Jebry also worked in top Las Vegas clubs at the Flamingo, the Landmark, the Hilton and Harrah’s in Reno and Lake Tahoe as well as the London, England, Playboy Club. She was the opening act for Wayne Newton, Count Basie, Bobby Darin and Joan Rivers. For two years, Bobby McFerrin accompanied her on the piano as they travelled around the country and performed USO shows in Korea. She toured many states with her Nashville-based country band.

Jebry moved to Naples, Florida, in 1986 and soon became a legend. She headlined in clubs and country clubs throughout the city and, throughout her 58-year career, hosted jam sessions. In 1986, while singing at the Marco Lodge with Bob Gideons, a drummer named Bobby Phillips joined the band and they instantly hit it off and eventually married. Recent Monday nights in Naples meant hosting a jazz session at Dogtooth Sports and Music Bar, where many talented musicians meet to share their love of music.

Jebry was often featured in the Naples newspapers for her incredible home decorating skills and sense of fashion. In addition, her letters to the Editor on current issues within Naples were often published. Jebry and her husband, Bobby Phillips, a popular local drummer, travelled the world together to play their music and enjoy the camaraderie of fellow musicians. They visited over 41 countries and were the only American group at a jazz festival in Berlin, Germany, on the historic night the Berlin wall came down.

Jebry is survived by her loving husband, Bobby Phillips, her brother Bradley Branch and his two children Nikki and Zachary, as well as Bobby’s family including sisters Janice and Linda and 13 nieces and nephews and their families. Jebry will be cremated and a service will be held at Naples Funeral Home, 3107 Davis Blvd., Naples, FL 34104 on October 25, 2024, at 11:00 A.M. In addition, please mark your calendars to join Bobby for a musical Celebration of Life on January 6, 2025, at 5-9 P.M. at the Dogtooth Sports and Music Bar, 5210 Shirley Street, Naples, FL. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Avow Hospice, 1095 Whippoorwill Lane, Naples FL 34105.