Judy Echols

Judy Kay Echols went to be with her departed loved ones on October 29th, 2024, passing away peacefully at Hendrick Hospital in Abilene, Texas. She was born in Gorman, Texas to Reburn Casey and Bessie (Fisher) on April 1, 1947. Surviving family members include her husband Dan Echols, brother Charles Casey, her children John Paul Snapp, his wife Heather and their daughter Ziggy Jean, daughter Jacinda Young, her husband Scott and their son Tillman. Other surviving family include step-daughters Shelly Echols Ferguson and Shanna White, grandchildren Clayton White, Stefen Echols, Michael Young, Richard Young and Luna Echols, 6 great grandchildren and many beloved cousins, nieces and nephews.

Having spent most of her life in Abilene, Judy enjoyed lifelong bonds with friends and family. She graduated from Cooper High School in 1965 and Hardin Simmons University in 1969, with a degree in childhood education. A career teacher, she spent her working life serving the children of the big country as a speech therapist and elementary educator. While continuing to work full-time, she earned a masters degree in reading education from Hardin Simmons. Whenever asked why she had gone back to school to specialize in reading, she would explain that she felt teaching a child to read was the most important gift she could give. Judy continued to be involved with her graduating class at Cooper and Hardin Simmons, attending and planning reunions and homecomings. Some of her other passions included Abilene retired teachers association, Delta Kappa Gamma, and the Jaycee Women. She was honored to serve as an officer for each of these organizations. Judy was a woman of strong faith and attended First Baptist Church Abilene for decades.

Judy's greatest commitment was always to her family. She was known as a matriarch of the Fisher family reunion and was present for nearly every reunion since its inception. She attended countless gymnastic meets, football games, band concerts, and soccer games for her children. She was always there. When her kids got older and stopped participating, she attended events for everyone else. Nephews, nieces, grandchildren, cousins, great nephews, and nieces. She went for everyone. A presence like that is hard to lose. She will be deeply missed.

A memorial service honoring Judy will be held at Elmwood Funeral Home Chapel Friday, November 8, 2024 at 12:00 PM. Flowers are accepted.