Judith Rae Stokes Talbot

  Judith Rae Stokes Talbot, age 67, passed from this life on Wednesday, July 31, 2024. Born December 14, 1956, to Robert and LaVonne Stokes, in Glendive, Montana, she had a passion for teaching and graduated from the Mississippi University for Women, "The W," with a Bachelor of Science with honors, and went on to achieve a Master of Science degree in Special Education from the University of Texas at Dallas. 

  Judi loved her family and her friends more than anything else in the world and always put them first. Outside of family she was a truly devoted and decorated educator which culminated in being recognized as Teacher of the Year, in 2009, by Bastrop ISD. 

  When Judi retired from teaching, she got to pursue her passions of quilting, crocheting, and crafting; spreading her love and joy with others through many baby blankets and gifts of her heart. When she wasn’t in her craft room working on the next big project, she was planning her next big trip or next theatrical outing. Judi loved watching musicals and theatrical productions, among her favorites were Wicked, Grease, and Oklahoma! When the theater didn’t bring enough glamour, she would routinely plan trips to see the wonders of the United States and see as much of each place she visited as she could.

  Those who knew her best reported, "We have lost someone who was beloved by all and respected immensely. She was admired for her energy, her perseverance, and her sense of duty. But most of all, she was simply ‘Judi,’ our rock. We have lost someone and something very, very precious and good." 

  She is survived by her loving husband of 47 years, Michael Hess Talbot; sons, Matthew Hess Talbot and partner, Autumn, Colin Michael Talbot and partner, Jessica, and Devin Robert Talbot and fiancé, Marjorie; mother, LaVonne Stokes; siblings, Laurie Stokes-Bell and husband, Don, Michael Stokes and wife, Kim, David Stokes and wife, Vicki, and Mark Stokes; a multitude of nieces, nephews, and a host of close friends, including her best friend, Sara Guerra and husband, Mike. 

  Visitation will take place on Thursday, August 8, 2024, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m., with a time of prayer at 7:00 p.m., at Galbreaith Pickard Funeral Chapel, in Weatherford, Texas. 

  Her funeral ceremony will begin at 2:00 p.m., Friday, August 9, 2024, also at the Funeral Chapel. A reception will follow the service.

  Judi's graveside inurnment service will commence on Friday, August 16, 2024, at 10:00 a.m., at East Greenwood Cemetery, in Weatherford.

  In lieu of flowers, Judi's wishes would be that donations be made to the American Cancer Society (https://donate.cancer.org/) in her memory or to the Lost Pines Elementary School of Bastrop Independent School District in Bastrop, Texas.