Judy Ann Ennis, age 81, of Salisbury, passed away peacefully at her home, surrounded by her loving family, on Sunday, October 4, 2026.Born in Nassawadox, Virginia, she was the daughter of the late James "Jimmy" Payne, Jr. and the late Anna V. (Poulson) Payne of Virginia. Judy spent her younger childhood years in Chincoteague, Virginia, before moving to Salisbury, where she graduated from Wicomico High School with the Class of 1963. Judy lived a life filled with love, laughter, family, and a deep appreciation for the beauty of nature. 

From a young age, Judy had a love for dancing. She was a talented dancer and even had the opportunity to dance on television as a young girl. That love of dancing remained with her throughout her life. She and her husband, Ronald "Ronnie" Ennis, looked forward to their Friday night dances at the Salisbury Moose Lodge, where they shared many happy memories together. Judy also loved the outdoors, especially her flowers and the hummingbirds that brought her so much joy. She could spend hours enjoying her flowers and watching the hummingbirds visit. Judy was a gifted cook and baker who loved creating special treats for the people around her. She found great joy in cooking and baking for her family and friends and was always sharing something she had made. One of the most cherished traditions was her famous Christmas lasagna. The tradition was started by her lifelong best friend and godmother to her children, Paige Anne Huston, and every Christmas Eve, Judy and her family would continue that tradition by making the lasagna together. Paige preceded Judy in death, but the Christmas Eve lasagna remained a treasured reminder of their lifelong friendship and the memories they shared. Judy's delicious butternut pound cake, black bottoms, and many other Christmas treats also became beloved staples of the holiday season. 

Judy loved fashion and enjoyed putting together an outfit from head to toe. Her clothes, shoes, and jewelry always had to coordinate, and she loved anything with a little sparkle and flair.Judy was the owner of Merle Norman Cosmetics in the old Salisbury Mall, which she operated until moving to Charlotte, North Carolina. She then attended Central Piedmont Community College, where she earned an Associate Degree in Nursing, and later continued her education at Wilmington University, where she earned her bachelor's degree in nursing. Judy devoted her life to nursing and caring for others. Throughout her career, she worked in many settings, including the Emergency Department, ECI, Wor-Wic Community College as a CNA instructor, HealthSouth, and Coastal Hospice, where she found some of her most rewarding work caring for patients and supporting their families during some of the most difficult moments of their lives. She spent the majority of her nursing career at what is now TidalHealth Salisbury, where she worked as an Operating Room nurse for 28½ years. She ended her career as a school nurse at Wicomico Middle School, continuing to do what she had always done throughout her life, care for others, until her retirement just a few years ago.

Judy was a member of St. Francis de Sales Catholic Church in Salisbury.

She is survived by her husband of 46 years, Ronald "Ronnie" Ennis of Salisbury, Maryland; her daughter, Lauren Mann (Matt) of Salisbury, Maryland; her son, Sean Ennis (Jamie) of Seaford, Delaware; and her grandchildren, Makaila Keenan, Julia Mann, Colton Mann, Lilith Ennis, James Ennis, Josh Seaton, and Jeff Seaton, along with several great-grandchildren. She is also survived by her goddaughter, Melissa Payne of Snow Hill. In addition to her parents, Judy was preceded in death by her sons, Richard Jay Payne and Charles Jeffrey Seaton, Sr. She was also preceded in death by her brother Major Edwin C. Payne.

Judy was blessed with friendships that lasted throughout different chapters of her life. Her lifelong best friend, Paige Anne Huston, remained an important part of her life and family traditions until Paige's passing. In her later years, Judy became especially close with Brenda Becker and Jane Hudson, who became wonderful friends and a tremendous source of love, companionship, and support, especially during her final days. The family would also like to thank Toni and Allen who were a huge support as well. She is also survived by Sue Karson, her lifelong fellow nurse, dear friend, and cruising buddy. Their friendship was filled with years of shared experiences, laughter, travel, and wonderful memories.

A visitation for family and friends will be held on Sunday, October 18, 2026, from 1:00 p.m. to 2:00 at Short Funeral Home in Delmar, followed by funeral services which begin at 2:00. The Reverend Howard Travers will officiate. Interment will follow at St. Stephen's Cemetery in Delmar. 

Flowers are warmly welcomed, however the family requests donations in memory of Judy go to Coastal Hospice by visiting https://coastalhospice.org/donate/.

Arrangements are in the care of Short Funeral Home of Delmar.