Judy Ann Thomas

1947 - 2019

Judy Ann Thomas ARLINGTON-Judy Ann Thomas, 71, passed away Saturday, Jan. 5, 2019, surrounded by family and friends. CELEBRATION OF LIFE: 10 a.m. Saturday, Jan. 19, 2019, at Sam Houston High School Auditorium, 2000 Sam Houston Drive, Arlington. MEMORIALS: In memory of Judy, scholarship donations may be made to SHHS Alumni Association at www.shhstexans.org/donate. Born May 14, 1947, in Dayton, Ohio, Judy was raised in the small town of Miamisburg, along with her three brothers. The family moved to Arlington, Texas, in 1962. Judy graduated from Sam Houston High School in the 1965 charter class. She earned a Bachelor of Science in Education from Ohio University and returned to teach at her high school alma mater in 1972. Later in her career, she earned a Master of Arts in Criminal Justice and worked towards a Ph.D. in English from UT Arlington. Judy taught for 39 years and retired in 2011. A devoted and passionate educator who was 1996 Teacher of the Year, Judy had the 2007 and 2010 Cherokee yearbook dedicated to her, and received the prestigious Long Tall Texan Award in 2011. Numerous organizations have formally recognized her community and professional contributions, including the Arlington ISD and Arlington Masonic Lodge. She continued to dedicate time to the students of Sam Houston serving as a substitute teacher, testing assistant, volunteer and community advocate. In 2013, she took a prominent role in the SHHS Alumni Association as a board member and volunteer. Judy was a loving mother, sister, aunt, educator, and friend. Judy was incredibly proud of her daughter, Jayme Thomas, who followed in her footsteps and now teaches at Sam Houston. Judy attended various Comic-Cons and music concerts, a fervent Swiftie and Bruno Mars fan. She was a world traveler, geo-cache adventurer, avid reader, crocheter, genealogist, history buff, film enthusiast, amateur photographer, cat lover, volunteer, and hostess whose greatest joy was bringing family and friends together. Judy was preceded in death by her parents, Vera and Chester U. Thomas. SURVIVORS: She is survived by daughter, Jayme Allyson Thomas; brothers, John Allen and wife, Cindy, Joe Allison and wife, Amy, Jay Aaron and wife, Gerry. Judy will forever be remembered by her numerous nieces, nephews, extended family and dear friends.