Julia Helen Carlson

Judy Carlson recently died on March 26, 2015 in the company and care of her immediate family. Her long life of 86 years ended after a struggle with Alzheimer's disease. Living in Austin with her husband, John Benton Carlson, they enjoyed 66 years of marriage that demonstrated the true nature of unselfish love.
Julia (Judy) Helen Wallace was born on September 14, 1928, to her parents James Robert Wallace, and her mother, Melia (Amelia) Eloise Ridgeway. As her father held many jobs over the years in Central Texas, Judy lived in cities such as Kyle, Killeen, Kerrville, and Austin. Following in her mother's footsteps, Judy pursued a nursing career with an education at the Seton Hospital in Austin, Texas.
While in school, she was required to take a class in chemistry at St. Edwards University in South Austin. Her professor did not believe women should go to college and tried to flunk every female student, which numbered almost 30. As only a few passed the class, Judy was one of the successful students. Her ambition was to be a dietician, which she fulfilled later in life becoming a Weight Watcher's Counselor for 32 years. She also worked with various doctors through the years.
Before finishing college, however, Judy met and married John Carlson on December 11, 1948. Together they raised 4 children, Bruce Robert, Linda Arlene, James Richard, and Donna Marie. Judy and John also have 4 grandchildren Benton Robert and Brian Reed, children of Bruce and Lisa Carlson, Jacqueline Marie Reichert and Benjamin William Reichert, children of Walter and Donna Reichert. Judy was loved and admired by all who knew her.
Judy and John were also charter members of the Crestview United Methodist Church in Austin, in 1953. They both served in many volunteer roles for more than 60 years. Judy was often found teaching Sunday school classes and organizing functions both at Church and at her home. A fond memory of her children was the numerous parties at her house with her many friends from Church.
Judy will be missed by all who knew her. Services in honor of her will be held at the Crestview United Methodist Church at 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, March 29, 2015. Although we all grieve for her loss to us, we can take solace in the knowledge that she is at rest in the arms of her Lord Jesus whom she loved and served.
The family will be receiving guests on Saturday, March 28, 2015 from 3:00 – 5:00 pm at Cook-Walden Funeral Home at 6100 N Lamar Blvd, Austin, TX.
Words of comfort may be left for the family at www.cookwaldenfuneralhome.com