Tulsa Woman Turns Passion For Sign Language Into Labor Of Love

A Tulsa woman says she learned sign language before she learned to speak. She was raised by two deaf parents and has turned her passion for interpreting into a full-time career.

“The deaf today, they have a lot of technology that my parents didn’t have. So, there was a lot of dependency on the kids for communication,” said Judy Ingram.

Judy said she tried to find her own path in life and kept being pulled back to sign language. Eventually, she became a nationally certified interpreter.

Even during a pandemic, her schedule is packed. She partners with churches, businesses, schools even hospitals.

"It is our interpretation but conceptually, it needs to be right on," said Judy.

For decades now, she has been interpreting for her church for free.

"They teach us to tithe and tithe doesn't always mean cash money. It can also mean your talents,” said Judy’s husband Merlin Ingram.

"The church took care of me and my family,” Judy said. “This means that I am able to do something and give back.”

Judy turned a way of life into a labor of love. A form of communication into an opportunity to help others.

"Her selfless love provides for the deaf community," said Merlin, “I just wanted to let others know there are nice people out there and I am blessed to be married to one.”