Judith Louise Vernor

Judith “Judy” Louise Vernor, 85, passed away on October 5, 2025. She was born in Houston, Texas, on November 15, 1939, to Claude DeVan Watts III and Dorothy Louise Watts. 

Judy grew up in Corpus Christi, where she developed a lifelong love of the beach. She met the love of her life, James Leo Vernor, Sr., and was introduced to him by his sister, Susan. They would have celebrated their 64th wedding anniversary this December. Together they lived in Lafayette Louisiana, Houston, and spent four years in the United Kingdom in the early 1970s before settling in Arlington, Texas, in 1974. Judy was a longtime member of Trinity United Methodist Church. 

A devoted homemaker and the true matriarch of her family, Judy’s creative, generous spirit extended beyond her own home. She volunteered at Arlington Memorial Hospital and enjoyed raising African violets for competition. Her most visible legacy, though, was joy. Beginning in the mid-1970s, she transformed her family’s home each December into a magical winter wonderland—complete with her signature Santa Claus and Dalmatian cutouts. That display helped inspire what became the beloved Interlochen Christmas Lights tradition, delighting children and families for nearly 50 years. 

Judy also had a lifelong love of animals—especially dogs—and her home was never without a beloved four-legged companion by her side. She was rarely without multiple dogs, each one spoiled and adored as part of the family. 

Above all, Judy’s greatest passion was her family. Her home was a welcoming hub for her children’s friends—always full of food, fun, and laughter—and she never missed a chance to do something special for the people her family loved. Her presence was a steady source of comfort, celebration, and strength. 

Judy is survived by her loving husband of nearly 64 years, James Leo Vernor, Sr.; her children, James Leo Vernor, Jr. (and wife Jill), Jeffrey Lee Vernor (and wife Christy), and Jennifer Louise Walterscheid (and husband Darren); her brother, Claude DeVan Watts III; six adoring grandchildren, James Leo Vernor III (and wife Courtney), Jacqueline Tracy Hebert (and husband Luke), Lillian Louise Vernor, Leo Clayton Vernor, Kimber Louise Walterscheid, and Sterling Grace Walterscheid; and three great-grandchildren, Chandler Goodwin, Brandon Vernor, and William Vernor. She was preceded in death by her parents. 

A celebration of Judy’s life will be held at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, October 25, 2025, at Wade Family Funeral Home, 4140 W. Pioneer Parkway, Arlington, Texas. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to the SPCA or your local animal shelter.