Obituary published on Legacy.com by Hiett's LyBrand Funeral Home on Dec. 2, 2024.
Judi Yarbrough, 75, of
Edgewood, TX, peacefully went to be with her Lord on Monday, December 2, 2024, surrounded by the love of her family and friends.
A celebration of her life will be held at 11:00 AM, Saturday, December 7, 2024 at Cheatham Memorial Methodist Church in
Edgewood, TX. Services are under the care of Hiett's LyBrand Funeral Home.
Born on August 27, 1949, in Dallas, TX, Judith Lynn Caldwell was the daughter of William Henry Caldwell and Querita Nell Huffman Caldwell. She graduated from Wills Point High School in 1967 and married the love of her life, Lynn Yarbrough, that same year. Judi furthered her education at Trinity Valley Community College, earning a Texas Certification for Day Care Directors.
Judi's passion for nurturing children led her to a lifelong career in early childhood education. She began her journey at Miss Alice's Playschool in Edgewood, where she was fondly called "Miss Judi" by the children-a name that would stay with her for years to come, both in Edgewood and beyond. Judi was a trailblazer in the daycare community, volunteering for the state of Texas to assist prospective daycare owners and directors, and later owning and directing Judi's Loving Care Center in Edgewood for 25 years.
Beyond her work in daycare, Judi devoted over 30 years to the Girl Scouts, holding many roles including leader, trainer, site coordinator, and service unit manager. She was deeply honored by the Girl Scouts, receiving the Outstanding Volunteer, Outstanding Leader, Green Angel Award, the Appreciation Pin, and the Honor Pin, among others. Judi also proudly served as the director of the first Twilight Day Camp for the Tejas Girl Scout Council.
Judi's heart for service extended beyond the classroom and the Girl Scouts. She was a dedicated member of Cheatham Memorial Methodist Church, where she served in a multitude of ways including Sunday School teacher, youth director, outreach director, and Lay Speaker. She co-founded Edgewood Connections with Pastor Alan Van Hooser and was an integral part of the Cro-knitters prayer shawl ministry. Judi also mentored United Methodist girls, leaving a lasting impact on their lives and their faith.
Judi's volunteerism touched nearly every aspect of life in Edgewood and Van Zandt County. She was the proud recipient of the first Hero of the Year Award from the crisis center and served on the Housing Authority Board and as PTO president. She was the director of the Summertime Feeding Program and the Backpack Program for Edgewood ISD, as well as the coordinator for the Angel Tree Program for 26 years. Judi's tireless efforts also included work with the Salvation Army, the Care Portal of Van Zandt County, and the Heard Museum in McKinney, TX. She co-founded the Edgewood Community Luncheons and received the Van Zandt County Volunteer of the Year award two years running. Judi was a beacon of light to all who knew her, consistently putting others first with grace, compassion, and love.
Judi was preceded in death by her parents; husband, Lynn Yarbrough; sister, Cathy Miller; brothers-in-law Ronnie Miller and Michael Neumann; and nephew Matthew Miller.
She is survived by her daughters, Tami Wylie and husband Jason of Oldham, England, and Maegan Yarbrough of Tyler, TX; grandchildren, Christian Wylie of Oldham, England, Braxton, Greyson, and Caleb Flores of Lindale, TX, Nicole Shotwell of Mabank, TX, and Larry Tucker of Temple, TX; sister Lou Ann Neumann of Canton, TX; nephews, Robert Neumann and family of Plano, TX, Dale Miller and family of Arkansas, Adam Miller and family of Chattanooga, TN and Seth Miller and family of Wills Point, TX; nieces, Ashley Marx and family of Colorado, and Paula Williams and husband Jerry of Sulphur Springs, TX; great-nephew Thomas Neumann of Plano, TX; great-niece Anna Marx of Colorado Springs, CO; numerous cousins and a dear group of lifelong friends, including Margaret Arnold, Amy Garber, and Karen Grell, who were known as her "sister tribe."
Honorary Pallbearers include Robert and Thomas Neumann, Pat Marx, Dr. Rev. Jesse Brannen, Rev. Jim Pickens, Deral Box, Rodney Stevens, Addison and Trey Prater, Kenzie and Tristan Smith, Wayne and Colby Lasater, Jennifer Horrell, the Cro-knitters, the Sister Tribe, and the Wills Point Class of 1967. Judi also leaves behind a community of friends she considered family.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to Cheatham Memorial Methodist Church in
Edgewood, TX, to continue Judi's legacy of service and love.
Judi's life was a testament to the power of faith, love, and service. She leaves behind a legacy that will continue to inspire all who knew her.
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