Meet Judy Spencer of Judy’s Junque

A Name with Meaning

Judy’s business name, Judy’s Junque, has an amusing and sentimental origin.

“It’s Judy’s Junque, J, U, N, Q, U, E, okay?” Judy said with a smirk in her tone. “That comes from a long time ago when we moved once when my kids were very little. And I collected back then too, of course. While moving, my husband marked one of the boxes Judy's Junk with a ‘K’, and I crossed it off, and I wrote my Q, U, E on it. But anyway, it’s more meaningful,” she laughed.

That small moment during a family move stuck with her, becoming a fitting title for her ever-growing collection of antique treasures.

From Collector to Seller

Judy’s love for collecting took a new turn in 2006 when she wandered into a small antique shop in Virginia Beach.

“I was shopping in a little antique store in Virginia Beach, where I was stationed at my last duty station in the Navy. And I wandered into this place out of curiosity. It was tucked into the corner of the shopping center, and I got talking to the owner, and we talked about things I liked and things I collected. She says, ‘Why don't you rent a booth from me?’”

That simple conversation sparked Judy’s venture into antique dealing. She started with a small booth, which gradually expanded into a larger space filled with shelves and display cases, each housing a carefully curated selection of glassware, depression glass, mid-century pieces, and art glass.

A Passion for Owls and Other Unique Finds

Among Judy’s many collections, her 700-plus owl figurines stand out as a testament to her love for unique and meaningful items.

“You find one thing you like, and it's one thing, it's a treasure. If you get two, you have a pair of treasures. If you get three, you have a collection. Back in the 60s, one of my children bought me an owl—just a figurine—for Christmas or a birthday. They might have gotten it at the dollar store. Well, back then, it would have been the five and ten-cent store in Ironton. But I made a fuss over it—you know, it was cute, and I liked it. And the next holiday, I got another owl, and that’s how mine started. Now, I have over 700 owls.”

Her collection doesn’t stop at owls. Over the years, Judy has gathered an eclectic mix of items, from china and vintage glass to rare McCoy pottery. Each piece tells a story, and Judy delights in sharing those stories with her customers.

A Move to Huntington and the Joy of Selling

After years in Virginia, Judy decided to move her antique booth to Huntington in 2021 to be closer to her children. With the support of her daughter’s sister-in-law, she was able to establish a presence in the local antique scene, which she said was pretty limited. “Central City was the only place that made sense to me,” Judy said. “Plus, I had been here so many times while visiting, I felt like this is where I needed to be.”

While the antique business has its financial ups and downs—especially following economic downturns like in 2008—Judy remains passionate about the hunt for unique items. She has noticed a resurgence of interest in vintage goods, particularly among younger buyers who appreciate the quality and craftsmanship of older pieces.

Family, Community, and the Future

Judy’s love for antiques is deeply intertwined with her personal history and family connections. One of her favorite aspects of the antique business is the sense of community it fosters. Whether it’s a customer uncovering a rare McCoy piece in her booth or a young couple excitedly discussing their glassware collection, Judy loves the interactions and connections her business brings.

As for the future, Judy acknowledges the challenge of managing such a vast collection. She hopes to pass her treasures on to her children and possibly keep the booth in the family. But she also has one playful warning for them: “If they decide to sell my stuff at a yard sale, I might just have to haunt them!”

For now, Judy continues to enjoy every moment of her antique journey—finding, collecting, and sharing the treasures of the past with the next generation. Before leaving, she had to show off a new piece she brought in-- a handmade tabletop clock, made by a man, Mr. Compton, who lived in West Virginia. “You just don’t get craftsmanship like this anymore,” she said. “It’s not just a beautiful clock, but it tells a story if you listen closely.” Visit her booth today at Villiage Antiques & Art and uncover a uniQUE treasure of your own.