Judith "Judy" (Taylor) Willis

Judith "Judy" (Taylor) Willis December 8, 1950 – July 24, 2025 Judith “Judy” (Taylor) Willis, a devoted wife, mother, Nana, teacher, and friend, passed away peacefully surrounded by those who loved her most. She was 74. Judy was born on December 8, 1950, in Caney, Oklahoma to Dorothy and Rappolee Taylor. She grew up there alongside her siblings Kathy, Buck, and Donna, and always held her family close to her heart. Judy spent her life pouring into others—whether through her career as a dedicated secondary math teacher in both Oklahoma and Texas, or through the deep, lasting friendships she formed everywhere she went. She spent many years teaching at Durant High School, where her impact was so strong that former students still kept in touch, even visiting her in her last days. That’s just who she was. Judy was a woman of deep faith and spent over 30 years as a member at Northwest and later Durant Church of Christ. She also cherished her church family in Port Isabel, Texas, where she and Gene spent treasured time near the beach she loved so much. Her annual month-long stays in South Padre were a tradition she held dear—sunshine, waves, and walks by the water. She was known for her love of fashion, country music (especially Alan Jackson and Clay Underwood), dedication to walking four miles every day, traveling, and simply spending time with her friends. Judy had the unique gift of making everyone feel special. She always had a compliment ready and genuinely meant every word. She didn’t just have friends—she made people feel like they mattered. Above all, Judy’s greatest joy was her family. She was married to Gene Willis for over 50 years, a testament to her patience and devotion. She was the proud mother of Krystal, Amber, and Mary Beth, and a deeply loved Nana to Ethan, Aynsley, Catherine, and Sammie. Her love for them was constant and fierce. She loved nothing more than a visit or phone call from her grandchildren. She leaves behind a legacy of love and kindness—plus a community of friends and loved ones who were lucky enough to know her and hear her say “I love you” and know that she meant it. Funeral services will be held at 10:00 AM on Wednesday, July 30th, at Brown’s Funeral Home chapel with Ministers Layne Heitz and Logan Cates officiating. Interment will follow at Gethsemane Cemetery in Caddo with Aynsley Ludrick, Ethan Jordan, Billy Whisenhunt, Jimmy Gray, Russell Gray and JR Roberts serving as pallbearers. The Willis family will receive friends on Tuesday, July 29th, from 6-8 PM at Brown’s Funeral Home. Online condolences may be sent to the family at www.brownsfuneralservice.com. https://www.tributeslides.com/tributes/show/YQD929MJ458S87J6

Judith "Judy" (Taylor) Willis

December 8, 1950 - July 24, 2025