Judy Colvin

Judy Colvin, 44-year resident of Abilene and a well-known and respected realtor, passed away on Monday, June 13. Judy fought lung cancer for the past nine months; she won her battle with breast cancer 12 years ago. A celebration of her hard-fought but well-lived life will be held at 11 a.m. on Tuesday, June 21 at Holy Family Catholic Church. Honorary pallbearers will be Jimmy Chapoy, Mike Dumas, John Stevens and Greg Pace.

Judy, 78, was born to Harold and Kathleen Willis in Elmira, NY and grew up in Council Bluffs, Iowa and graduated from Mount Loretto Catholic High School. Before her marriage, she had a two-year career as a stewardess with Braniff Airlines. Judy launched her highly successful real estate career in Abilene in 1980, shortly after moving here, with Senter Realtors. She spent 30-plus years associated with ReMax and retired last year from Diamond Properties. During her career, she served on the board of directors and the executive committee of the Abilene Association of Realtors, was president of the Women’s Council of Realtors, held various roles with Texas RealtorsPAC and was chosen Abilene Realtor of the Year. Her contributions went beyond her profession: she served on the parish council of her church, Holy Family Catholic; and, over the years, she served on the boards of the Center for Contemporary Arts, the Grace Museum and the Noah Project. Judy was a passionate supporter of all things having to do with animals: she never missed a Fur Ball. In recent years, in addition to her morning dog walks on the golf course, she spent increasingly more time perfecting her game there.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents and her stepfather, John Lierman; sister Linda Crook; daughter, Raquel Dixon; and Jim Colvin, the father of her children.

Mother, grandmother, and a loyal friend to many, she is survived by her son, Jim Colvin, his wife, Tracy and their children: Shelby, Tres, Carly Rae and Brazos. She is also survived by her son-in-law Kevin Dixon; her nephew Darrin Martin and wife Tosha; dear friends Susan Stroud and Larry and Mary Decker; and her beloved dog, Dixie.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks donations be made to Hendrick Hospice Care, Noah Project, Rescue The Animals or St. Vincent de Paul Society, 1241 Walnut St., Abilene 79601.