Former Assistant Secretary-Treasurer and Region 9 National Business Agent Judy Whilloughby dies

March 30, 2026

NALC is deeply saddened to learn of the death of Judy Willoughby, former assistant secretary-treasurer and former national business agent (NBA) for Region 9, on March 26 at the age of 70.

Sister Willoughby began her postal career in 1980 and joined West Coast Florida Branch 1477, where she quickly became a shop steward after witnessing management violations of the contract. She served as a steward from 1981 to 1983 and continued that service after transferring to Tallahassee, FL, in 1984, where she became a member of Tallahassee Branch 1172. She went on to serve Branch 1172 as trustee, vice president and branch president for nearly 12 years.

In 2000, NALC President Vincent R. Sombrotto appointed her as a regional administrative assistant for Region 9. Sister Willoughby also served in several appointed NALC positions in the North Florida District, including as an Employee Involvement facilitator, a member of the local joint steering committee and the joint route inspection team, and as Delivery Point Sequence coordinator. She had also been an arbitration advocate since 1988 and served as a local business agent for many years. She served as an executive board member for District 5 of the Florida State Association of Letter Carriers and as FSALC director of education.

In 2004, Sister Willoughby made history as the NALC's first female NBA when NALC President William H. Young appointed her as Region 9 NBA to fill a vacancy. She was subsequently elected to that position by acclamation at the 2006 national convention and again in 2010. She was later elected NALC assistant secretary-treasurer by ballot among the union's active and retired members, and she retired from the position in 2018 at the end of her term.

An Army veteran, Sister Willoughby held two associate degrees from St. Petersburg Junior College and also attended the University of South Florida.

"NALC mourns the loss of Sister Willoughby," NALC President Brian L. Renfroe said. "She dedicated more than four decades to fighting for the rights of letter carriers, breaking barriers and setting a standard of service that will not be forgotten. On behalf of the NALC, I extend our deepest sympathies to her family and friends. She will be greatly missed."