What Happened to Naomi Judd’s Siblings?

Naomi Judd’s ties to Kentucky ran deep, as it is where she was born and raised and where many of her earliest memories were formed. As the eldest of four siblings, she naturally took on a protective and nurturing role and shared a special connection with each of them. After her, the family welcomed Brian Judd, followed by Mark and the youngest, Margaret. Although Naomi left home relatively young to start her own journey, the bonds she formed with her siblings during childhood remained with her throughout her life. In the Lifetime documentary ‘The Judd Family: Truth Be Told,’ her brother Mark Judd opened up about their family dynamic and reflected on the struggles, joys, and memories that shaped their relationship.

Naomi Judd’s Siblings Always Had a Lot of Love and Respect for Her

Pauline Ruth “Polly” and Charles Glen Judd raised their family of six in the modest town of Ashland, Kentucky. Their firstborn, Diana Ellen Judd, who would later become known to the world as Naomi Judd, was born on January 11, 1946. She was soon joined by her siblings: Glenn Brian Judd, born on September 23, 1948; Christopher Mark Judd, born on June 28, 1950; and the youngest, Margaret Judd, who completed the family. Charles ran a local gas station, while Pauline worked as a cook on a riverboat. These jobs didn’t bring in much money, but reflected their dedication and work ethic. Though the Judds did not have wealth, they were proud, hardworking members of their community, known for living honest and respectable lives grounded in strong family values.

In late 1963, when Naomi discovered she was pregnant and still unmarried, the news was met with deep disapproval from her family, especially her mother. One evening, upon returning home, Naomi found herself locked out. The key no longer worked, and that was how she realized her parents had shut her out, reportedly seeing her condition as a “disgrace” to the family. Her brother Mark Judd reflected on that painful time. Though he was young and didn’t recall all the details, he shared that in hindsight, it was clear Naomi didn’t receive the love and support she truly deserved. He believed she should have been cared for, not cast aside, during such a vulnerable and challenging chapter of her life.

Brain Judd’s Passing at a Young Age Affected Everyone in the Family

As mentioned in the documentary, a significant factor behind Naomi Judd’s mother’s harsh reaction to her pregnancy was the intense emotional and physical toll the family was already enduring. Around the same time, Naomi’s younger brother, Brian Judd, had been diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma. It demanded much of Polly and Charles’ attention and energy. The 17-year-old’s condition worsened over time, and he ultimately passed away on November 8, 1965, in Winston-Salem, North Carolina. Naomi was no longer living at home during his final years, and the sorrow of not being by his side added to her deep sense of grief. Mark Judd recalled how Brian’s untimely passing had a profound and lasting impact on them all. The unexpected loss of someone so young shook the entire family and left emotional scars that would linger for years.

Mark Judd Found His Calling as a Pastor in Kentucky

Mark Judd dedicated his life to spiritual and personal service, leaving behind a legacy rooted in faith, compassion, and a deep love for nature. After earning his Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the University of Kentucky, he felt a spiritual calling. He pursued his Master of Divinity at the Southern Baptist Theological Seminary in Louisville. It was during this transformative period that he began his long tenure as pastor of Colesburg Baptist Church, where he faithfully served the congregation for 23 years. His journey then led him into the field of pastoral care, where he completed two years of Clinical Pastoral Education before being appointed Director of Pastoral Care at Hardin Memorial Hospital. Mark continued to share his wisdom and guidance by teaching the Senior Adult Sunday school class at Broadway Baptist Church.

A devoted husband to Middy Judd and a loving father to their son, Brian, Mark found joy in life’s simple, quiet pleasures. He was an avid outdoorsman and a passionate gardener, known for nurturing his garden with the same care and attentiveness he gave to his community. As a proud member of the Louisville Hiking Club, he spent countless hours exploring trails and embracing the beauty of nature. Mark passed away peacefully on January 13, 2025, at his home in Elizabethtown, Kentucky, surrounded by those he loved most. His presence continues to be felt in the lives he touched and the spiritual guidance he gave throughout the years.

Margaret Judd Keeps a Low Profile These Days

Margaret Judd, now known as Margaret Mandell, has chosen to lead a private life, staying largely out of the public eye. She is a doting mother to three children—Erin Mandell, Joshua Mandell, and Allison Mandell. While she has maintained a low profile over the years, she remains closely connected to her extended family. She continues to be a quiet yet steady presence in the lives of her nieces and nephews, including Naomi’s kids Wynonna and Ashley Judd, reflecting the deep familial ties that have endured despite the many changes and challenges the Judd family has faced.