Judith "Judy" Ellen Dickerson

Judith Ellen "Judy" Dickerson, 78, of Garland, Texas, died peacefully at home on Monday, September 16, 2019 after her battle with cancer. She was born June 17, 1941 in Detroit, Michigan to Nelson and Mary (Ward) East. Judy married her soul mate, Hugh "Bud" Dickerson, Jr., on September 19, 1975 and together they raised six children. In 1977 they moved their family from Detroit, Michigan to the home they shared in Garland, Texas. Judy was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother who enjoyed spending time with her family. Holidays were always celebrated at her house with many simultaneous and loud conversations in her crowded home. She organized every aspect of our family gatherings, and with her stubborn independence she rarely allowed anyone to assist her until her health began to fade. Judy was an avid reader of fiction novels and had an extensive book collection. She enjoyed the challenge of completing jigsaw puzzles, the more pieces the better. She also had a talent and love for crocheting, making cherished blankets for all of her children, grandchildren, and many others. Each year she would spend weeks baking hundreds of cookies to give to her loved ones on Christmas. The holidays will never be the same without her. Above all, she loved and cared for her family, and thoughtfully did everything she could for her them. Judy completed her studies to become a Licensed Vocational Nurse in 1971. She enjoyed caring for patients for many years before an injury required that she change careers. Judy began her career at Aetna while attending night classes at Eastfield Community College to earn her Associates degree. Judy was retired from Aetna for just over a year when she began caring for two of her granddaughters every weekday for the next twelve years. She spent the last ten years of her life enjoying retirement with her husband. Judy is survived by her husband, Hugh "Bud" Dickerson, Jr.; daughter Dianne and husband Jim Kolb; son Robert Wenner; son Hugh Dickerson, III and wife Julia; daughter Lori and husband John Butler; daughter Michelle and husband George Torres; daughter Julie and husband Raymond Brown; grandchildren Lea, Christopher, Jennifer, Kevin, Jimmy, Rhiannon, Kelsie, Zack, Adrienna, Riley, Alyssa, Abby, and Lily; great-grandchildren Theresa, Lucas, Gage, Alexia, Cayden, Ada, Russell, and Layla; and sisters Nelwyn and Helen. Judy is preceded in death by her sister, Mary Lou; father Nelson Wayne East; mother Mary Elizabeth East; brother Chuck East; brother Dennis East; and sister Betty Ann Miller. Judy went to heaven too soon. We had hoped that her sheer stubbornness (which was monumental) would afford her a longer time on earth in spite of the cancer. Although her mind was still very strong, her body was tired. Through the end she was most concerned with her family's wellbeing and needed to know that we would all be okay when she was gone, which defines how she lived. She will be dearly missed. A memorial will be held at St. Michael the Archangel Catholic Church in Garland, where she and Bud were members and volunteers, on Saturday, September 28, 2019 at 11:00 AM. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations in Judy's name may be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, the American Cancer Society, or to the charity of your choice.