Judy Lynn Thompson

Judy Thompson, age 74, died of metastatic colon cancer. The disease was incurable so she chose Houston Hospice to manage the last stage of her life.

Born in Indiana, she was one of many who came to boomtown Houston in the '70s and quickly found a job. She eventually settled in Montrose and was warmly welcomed to the neighborhood by an older WWII vet. He was friendly, fit (he mowed his own lawn) and active and she often said he would outlive her. Happy to report that the WWII vet still lives! But he no longer mows his lawn.

As the Volunteer Coordinator of Houston Habitat for Humanity in the 80s, she met and later married Francis Cameron Payne, Jr., a devoted spouse, a partner in travel, including 20 summers in Montréal, and father of two marvelous children — Cameron M Payne and Sarah P Ferguson. Five gifted grandchildren were eventually added to the family.

Along with Cameron's four siblings, Betsy, Ann, John and Layton, no one could have asked for a better extended family, including Judy's sister Jo Ann, brother-in-law Neil and brother David. And to all the others who digitally reached out during the final weeks, many thanks. You know who you are.

During Covid, Judy retired as a residential real estate broker, representing buyers only. She was a pioneer who envisioned the great potential of residential real estate and the Internet, creating a website focused on residential real estate data analysis for nearly 20 years. Some clients later became close friends.

In mid-life Judy developed a great interest in WWII and wrote a screenplay about looted art in Paris during the war. During the Covid years she revised it, polished it, and submitted it to three contests for first-time screenwriters. Though it won no awards, the experience led her to the conclusion that she could have been a writer. Next time, perhaps.

There will be no services at Judy's request. If you wish, please make a donation in her memory to Houston Habitat for Humanity or the Vedanta Society of Greater Houston.