Judy Wilson Semlinger

Judy Wilson Semlinger, 74, amazing mother, wife, and friend; lover of red lipstick, diet coke (with ice), and chocolate; and passionate child advocate, died peacefully, surrounded by loved ones on Tuesday, February 3, 2015 in Lufkin, Texas. Born in Dallas to Glisson (Chick) Wilson and Ethel (Jackie) Dozier Wilson on March 26, 1940, Judy graduated from Highland Park High School in 1958, and then attended Austin College and the University of Texas before moving to Hawaii to begin the journey of her adult life. After raising her family, Judy completed not only her college education at Texas Woman’s University, but continued on to attain her masters in Early Childhood Education at Stephen F Austin University. In 1985, Judy led the Angelina College Child and Family Development Program, and directed it for the next twenty years.

Judy’s accomplishments were recognized by numerous awards and honors at the local and state level, but more importantly in the smiles of countless East Texas children who benefitted from her dedication to them. Judy married Richard (Dick) Semlinger, the love of her life, on May 4, 1969 in Dallas, and they moved to Lufkin in 1971, with Scott, Stacee, and Carolyn.

Judy was a loving wife; a devoted, fun, funny mom and grandmother; a dedicated friend; an ardent advocate for all children in Lufkin, East Texas, and the state of Texas; a voracious reader; and a gifted card player (but you had to watch her carefully…). In addition to her beloved husband, Dick, Judy will be remembered by Carolyn Allison Caplan and her husband Billy of Houston; Stacee Holton and her husband Jim of Lufkin; and Scott Semlinger and his wife Luanna of Bryan/College Station.

Judy’s grandchildren, Henry, Charlie, and Joseph Caplan, Ashley and JP Holton, and Lauren (Williams) and Greg Semlinger, along with her beautiful great-grandchildren, always held a special place in Juju’s heart. Judy treasured her sister Jane Holmgren and husband Gary, her many nieces and nephews, including Cynthia Jewell and Eric Holmgren, and countless precious friends. Judy is now reunited with her cherished parents, Chick and Jackie.

Special thanks go to Judy’s wonderful caretaker friends.

Judy’s life will be celebrated on Sunday, February 8, 2015 at 3 pm in the Sanctuary at First United Methodist Church, Lufkin.

Donations in Judy’s memory may be made to Godtel Ministries for the Homeless in Lufkin, 323 Moody Street, Lufkin, Texas 75901, or Angelina College Child and Family Development Program, 3500 South First Street, Lufkin, Texas 75904, or to CASA of the Pines (Court Appointed Special Advocates), 317 East Shepherd, Lufkin, Texas 75901, or to the charity of your choice.

“You must be the change you want to see in the world.” – Mahatma Ghandi. “I want to change the world, one child at a time” – Judy Semlinger

Memories and condolences may be added at www.carrowayfuneralhome.com.
Carroway Funeral Home, Lufkin, directors.