Judy Young Obituary

On May 5, 1957, in Baytown, Texas, Judy Fae Young made her entrance into the world. In a twist that always made for a good family story, the doctor who delivered her recorded her birthday as May 6 when he returned to town the next day. Judy laughed about it over the years, but for those who knew her best, it was just one more sign that her life could never be contained neatly on paper.

On August 26, 2025, Judy left this earthly life from her home in Thornton, with her faithful husband of 51 years, Dan, by her side. Their love story was one marked by devotion, laughter, and the kind of steady faith that carried them through every season.

Judy lived a life of service—to her family, her community, her church, and to anyone who crossed her path. She poured 37 years of her heart into the Bearden School District, serving wherever she was needed: as a teacher’s aide, a helping hand in Special Education, a bus driver, and finally as secretary and bookkeeper at Bearden High School. She was just as faithful at First Baptist Church in Thornton, where she sang in the sanctuary choir, directed Vacation Bible School, and stepped into any role that needed filling.

Family was at the center of Judy’s world. Nothing brought her more joy than cheering on her grandchildren at every ballgame, concert, and event they were part of. She expressed her creativity in the kitchen decorating cakes and delighted in small joys like selling Avon and Tupperware—not because of the products, but because it gave her one more way to connect with people.

Her love for service extended beyond her home and school. Judy’s passion for the Girl Scouts of America helped bring to life the “Girl Scout Camp” at Tri-County Lake, which gave countless girls in the Dallas-Calhoun County area a place to grow and belong. For years, her home in Thornton became the unofficial headquarters for cookie season, with boxes stacked high as she and others prepared them for delivery. Through it all, Judy’s heart was steady: she simply loved serving people.

Judy was welcomed into heaven by her parents, William and Irene Grant; her brothers, Donald Powers and Billy Grant; and her beloved granddaughter, Shelby Elizabeth Young. Those left to carry her memory are her husband, Dan Young of Thornton; her daughter, Robin Stringfellow and husband Tommy of Thornton; her son, Jack Young and wife Shelley of Fordyce; her grandsons, Hudson Young of Fordyce and Hunter Stringfellow of Thornton; and her brothers, Randy Grant and wife Belinda of Camden, and Timmy Grant of Pasadena, California.

Visitation will be Thursday 6:00 pm until 8:00 pm at Benton Funeral Home in Fordyce. Funeral services will be held 10:00 am Friday at Benton Funeral Home Chapel with Rev Bobby George and Rev. Travis Johnson officiating. Burial to follow at Thornton Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that memorials be made to the Shelby Elizabeth Young Nursing Scholarship at FBT Bank and Mortgage in Fordyce.

Judy’s life was one marked by service, love, and faith. She leaves behind not only her family, but also a legacy of kindness and generosity that will continue to ripple through her community for years to come. To sign the online register visit www.bentonfuneralhome.net.