SEMLINGER, Judy Wilson Judy Wilson Semlinger, 74, amazing mother, wife, and friend; lover of red lipstick, diet coke (with ice), and chocolate; and passionate child advocate, died peacefully, surrounded by loved ones on Tuesday, February 3, 2015 in Lufkin, Texas. Born in Dallas to Glisson (Chick) Wilson and Ethel (Jackie) Dozier Wilson on March 26, 1940, Judy graduated from Highland Park High School in 1958, and then attended Austin College and the University of Texas before moving to Hawaii to begin the journey of her adult life. After raising her family, Judy completed not only her college education at Texas Woman's University, but continued on to attain her masters in Early Childhood Education at Stephen F Austin University. In 1985, Judy led the Angelina College Child and Family Development Program, and directed it for the next twenty years. Judy's accomplishments were recognized by numerous awards and honors at the local and state level, but more importantly in the smiles of countless East Texas children who benefitted from her dedication to them. Judy married Richard (Dick) Semlinger, the love of her life, on May 4, 1969 in Dallas, and they moved to Lufkin in 1971, with Scott, Stacee, and Carolyn. Judy was a loving wife; a devoted, fun, funny mom and grandmother; a dedicated friend; an ardent advocate for all children in Lufkin, East Texas, and the state of Texas; a voracious reader; and a gifted card player (but you had to watch her carefully). In addition to her beloved husband, Dick, Judy will be remembered by Carolyn Allison Caplan and her husband Billy of Houston; Stacee Holton and her husband Jim of Lufkin; and Scott Semlinger and his wife Luanna of Bryan/College Station. Judy's grandchildren, Henry, Charlie, and Joseph Caplan, Ashley and JP Holton, and Lauren (Williams) and Greg Semlinger, along with her beautiful great-grandchildren, always held a special place in Juju's heart. Judy treasured her sister Jane Holmgren and husband Gary, her many nieces and nephews, including Cynthia Jewell and Erik Holmgren, and countless precious friends. Judy is now reunited with her cherished parents, Chick and Jackie. Special thanks go to Judy's wonderful caretaker friends. Judy's life will be celebrated on Sunday, February 8, 2015 at 3 pm in the Sanctuary at First United Methodist Church, Lufkin. Donations in Judy's memory may be made to Godtel Ministries for the Homeless in Lufkin, 323 Moody Street, Lufkin, Texas 75901, or Angelina College Child and Family Development Program, 3500 South First Street, Lufkin, Texas 75904, or to CASA of the Pines (Court Appointed Special Advocates), 317 East Shepherd, Lufkin, Texas 75901, or to the charity of your choice. "You must be the change you want to see in the world." - Mahatma Ghandi. "I want to change the world, one child at a time" - Judy Semlinger Memories and condolences may be added at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com. Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Dallas Morning News on Feb. 6, 2015.

Memories and Condolences
for Judy Semlinger

12 Entries

Vivian Cruz

February 13, 2015

You where an amazing women I'll always remember your kind words of wisdom and advice. You will be missed dearly Mrs. Judy.

Cathryn Cat Spencer Johnson

February 10, 2015

To the Semlinger family, God bless your family. Prayers for you all during a tough time. Your mom was an awesome lady, with whom the Spencer's love. She took time with my brother James back in 5th grade. Wow how time has passed and no matter how much, each time we saw her, she would always have her lovely smile and a hug and asked how he was, along with the rest of the family. She helped my grandmother Climmie Coutee along with Judge Wilson during her childcare years. She was liscensed with his help and Mrs. Semlinger would have her speak in a class at the college. With God and the help of good friends, its always good to know people. Family she will be greatly missed, more importantly, thanks for sharing her with us all. Love and Prayers. Cathryn Cat Spencer Johnson

dianne elliott

February 8, 2015

Dear Scott, Luanna and family,

Your mom was obviously an amazing person from everything I have read below — with a heart of gold. Thoughts and prayers for you and your family.
From an animal lover.

James Spencer

February 8, 2015

In honor/memory of Mrs. Semlinger. I love you.

Jackie Wing

February 6, 2015

Dick and family, she will be missed by all those who knew and loved her at A C. No one but Judy could walk up and down the hallway of our office suite, second floor Admin Bldg in sock feet singing, "If You're Happy and You Know It Clap Your Hands".

Holly Perkins Meyers

February 6, 2015

Judy Semilinger is one of the people who truly made a difference in the lives of children in Angelina County, Texas. She has always been one of my role models as a professional woman, a mother, and a kind, generous, caring Christian. I wish all the people who profess to be so godly today lived it as she did. I wish you peace at this emotional time, and want you to know she will it be forgotten.

Minden Gainey

February 6, 2015

Mrs. Judy! What a lady! What a true teacher! I met Judy through our church but never knew then what a HUGE impact she would have on my life. As a young teen I was the dog sitter for the babies. Never before had I ever seen people who truly loved their pets as much as their children. They even slept with blankets! I always thought that that was so special and it changed my thought on "just owning a dog/pet". They should be part of the family. Later as I found my way into early childhood field Judy became my teacher and later mentor. She shared her love for teaching and watching the amazing and wonderment of a little one discover the world around them. She also shared her amazement of how wonderful and awesome GOD is to have made these little beings. As I continued my career and teaching Judy was uniquely there just when I needed her even when I didn't even see it coming! lol. With that "red lipstick smile" and a hug she would pick up where ever we had left off. It was even some times miles and years apart! Judy shared her life and love openly with me and played a HUGE part of my life. I would not be the educator or professional I am today without her impact on my life. She believed in me, motivated me, and supported me. She was a true teacher and friend but also an example of what true Christian friendship is all about. I live out of town now, no longer a Lufkin girl, but just this week before my mother called to tell me about Judy passing I referenced her twice! She gave sooooo MUCH and I thank you her loved ones and family for sharing this special woman with me. She will live on in the people she touched and there are MANY! God Bless!

Laura Ballard

February 6, 2015

Dear family, I am so sorry for your loss. My dear friend and teacher is loved by many and will be so dearly missed. May God comfort you during this difficult time. Heaven indeed gained another angel.

Suzanne Crawford

February 5, 2015

Dick & family, I am so sorry for your loss. I loved Judy. She was my teacher, friend & supporter during my time at AC. She was always kind & thoughtful. My prayers are with you at this time.

Patricia Reyes

February 5, 2015

Judy not only was a wonderful woman, teache and mentor but a special friend to me. Despite not seeing her for awhile each time we did meet up we picked up where we left off. She always asked about my daughter and how I was doing. I will miss her dearly. I pray for comfort and grace to her family and loved ones.
Patricia Reyes

Julie Hollifield

February 5, 2015

I loved miss Judy and will never forget her.I cherish the time I was given to spend with her. She will be the most beautiful angel in Heaven.

Catherine Upshaw

February 5, 2015

Mrs. Semlinger was an awesome instructor and a very caring person. I will always carry her in my heart. AC class of 1991

Showing 1 - 12 of 12 results