Judy Merle Reece

In Loving Memory of
“Nana” Judy Merle Reece
Beloved Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, and Friend

Judy “Nana” Reece, a loving and wonderful woman whose heart embraced everyone she met, passed away October 15 in Graham, Texas. Her kindness, strength, and boundless love touched countless lives and will be remembered forever.

Born on June 11, 1944, in Jacksonville, Texas, to Genevia Jones Taylor and Earl Taylor, Judy spent her early years surrounded by the warmth of family and small-town life. She later moved to Oklahoma, where she attended school in Apache before settling in Temple, Oklahoma — the community that became her lifelong home. Judy graduated from Temple High School in 1962, forming friendships and memories that lasted her entire life.

Shortly after graduation, Judy married Dennis Mitchell, and together they welcomed their daughter Julie in 1965. Though that marriage ended, life led Judy to another chapter of love and family when she married Ronnie Simpson, with whom she had her daughter Danko in 1975.

A woman of remarkable creativity and determination, Judy was an expert seamstress whose skill and passion for craftsmanship shone in everything she touched. She owned and operated her own sewing business for many years. An expert in the field of manufacturing, at one point she made weightlifting belts and also lended her talent to the creation of the iconic Mo’Betta Western shirts. Her work reflected the same care, precision, and pride that she poured into her family.

After retiring from manufacturing, Judy found a new calling — one that perfectly matched her compassionate and giving nature. She began working in public education, where she devoted herself to helping children of all walks of life. Judy was a driving force and advocate for special needs children when it came to their education, growth and overall well being. Her patience, kindness, and warmth made her classroom a safe haven for every child who walked through the door. Her students lovingly called her “Nana,” a name that reflected the love and comfort she brought into their lives just as she did with her own family.

Judy’s roots ran deep in Temple, where she became known not only for her talents but for her warmth and generosity. Judy was a member of the Temple First Baptist church. Nana’s faith in Jesus was the foundation of who she was. She didn’t have many conversations where His name wasn’t mentioned. She talked about Him and to Him like He was her very best friend. Nana couldn’t wait to see Him face to face, and she faced death with peace and even joy, knowing she was going home to the One she loved most. With Nana, right and wrong were never blurred. Scripture was her compass, and faith her foundation. She stood unshaken and her faith sustained her.

Alongside her relationship with Jesus, her most prized earthly joys were being a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She adored her six grandchildren and seven great-grandchildren, each one a precious part of her heart. Cheering them on and being their number one fan in everything they did. To them, she wasn’t just “Nana” — she was the light that guided, comforted, and inspired them every single day.

Preceded in Death
Her parents Genevia Jones Holt and Earl Taylor;
Brothers Robin and Bing;
Sisters Janice, Linda, and Connie.

Survived By
Daughter Julie Smith and husband Lynn of Temple, Oklahoma
Daughter Danko Hogan and husband Tony of Graham, Texas

Grandson Zachary Smith, wife Charlie, and children Zoey and Riggs of Walters, Oklahoma
Grandson Tyler Smith and significant other Rylie Grant of Temple, Oklahoma
Grandson Andy Hogan, wife Kelsey, and children A.J. and Elizabeth of Justin, Texas
Grandson Adam Hogan, wife Kharis, and children Louella and Dolly of Graham, Texas
Granddaughter Madilyn Hogan and son Tommy of Graham, Texas.                Grandson Barrett “Bear” Hogan of Graham, Texas.

Brother Shelton Taylor, Brother Eddie Holt and Sister Rita Anderson

In keeping with her generous spirit, Nana requested that instead of flowers, donations of backpacks and school supplies be made to Temple Public Schools or a school of your choice — a tribute to her lifelong love for children and education.

Judy cared for everyone so deeply and loved with every inch of her being. Her laughter filled every room, and her love had no limits. She will be remembered as a woman whose heart was as big as her faith, whose spirit never wavered, and whose legacy of love, compassion, and craftsmanship will live on in the lives of all who were blessed to know her.

A service to celebrate Judy’s beautiful life will be held in her beloved hometown of Temple, Oklahoma, where her spirit will continue to live on among the people and places she cherished most. The service will be held at First Baptist Church at 2:00 p.m. on Monday, October 20th with interment in the Temple Cemetery. Visitation at Hart-Wyatt Funeral Home in Temple on Sunday, October 19th, from 4-6 p.m.

“She loved deeply, and was deeply loved.”