Judith Johnson Gifford, 87, residing at Luther Crest, Allentown, formerly of Schnecksville, died Dec. 9, 2025, at Lehigh Valley Hospital – Cedar Crest, Salisbury Township. She was the wife of The Rev. Dr. Hartland H. Gifford to whom she was married 39 years. Born in Brooklyn, N.Y., she was the daughter of the late Carl and Anne (Hoppe) Johnson.

She was employed as convention manager of the Lutheran Church in America and resources secretary of Northeastern Pennsylvania Synod. She was a member of Union Evangelical Lutheran Church, Schnecksville, where she served on the church council, sang in the choir and was a member of the social ministry committee. She had a lifelong devotion to helping others.

In addition to her husband, she is survived by children, Jeanne Coleman Smith (Gregory), of Ft. Bragg, Calif, John (Melissa), of Hernando, Fla., Diane, of Santa Rosa, Calif.; grandsons, Justin, Sean, Daniel.

She was predeceased by a son, Matthew Roger Coleman.

A memorial service to celebrate her life will take place 11 a.m. Jan. 17, 2026, at Crest Hall on the campus of Luther Crest, 800 Hausman Road, Allentown with the Rev. Gordon A. Camp officiating. Family and friends may pay their respects 10-11 a.m. before the service.

The Heintzelman Funeral Home, Inc. in Schnecksville has been entrusted with the arrangements. Online expressions of sympathy may be recorded at www.heintzelmancares.com.

Memorial contributions may be made to Community Foundation of Mendocino County, 204 S. Oak St., Ukiah, CA 95482 for the Matthew Coleman Fund for environmental education and conservation.