Judith Bailey

Judith Ann (Judy) Zeock Bailey, age 62 of Whitney, Texas, entered into the arms of Jesus on October 1, 2024, lovingly surrounded by her family. She richly lived a life in service, love and kindness. She was a hardworking, Godly woman, who touched the lives of everyone that knew her.

Judy was born on January 5, 1962 in Arlington, Texas to Leo and Helen (Conant) Zeock. She graduated from Whitney High School in 1980. She married the love of her life, Boyd Bailey in 1982. They welcomed their only son, Brian Bailey, whom she loved fiercely and was extremely proud of.

Judy lived her life serving others. She invested decades of her life in ministry at Prairie Valley Baptist Church and Peoria Baptist Church. She was a faithful servant with a passion for teaching children about Jesus and His love for them, guiding them to Him, and encouraging them to make good choices. She was involved in many ministries, including teaching Sunday school and children's church, Awanas, Vacation Bible School, church plays, children's choir, fall festivals, Back to school events, and any opportunity she had to share God's love. She was loved deeply by her church family.

Judy devoted 35 years to Whitney ISD where she served as Food Service Director. You could find her at football games, as bus monitor, working with ACE and going above and beyond at everything she did. She was best known by thousands of kids as the most caring, loving and thoughtful lunch lady. She genuinely cared about each child that entered the cafeteria and loved putting a smile on their faces. She not only fed their bellies, she nourished their hearts and their sense of belonging. Her laughter (sometimes at her own jokes) and her smile were contagious. She was loved and respected by her WISD family.

Judy enjoyed going on trips, going to the movies (even if it was a cartoon), screaming at the bad guys at her nephews wrestling matches, and spending time with family and friends. She was always up for an adventure with her sister. They had many Lucy & Ethel moments. Judy was smart, beautiful, crafty, funny, strong, dedicated, loyal, courageous, sincere, inspirational, generous, compassionate, and talented. Judy cherished her time spent with her family, but especially the time spent with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren. They all knew where the toy box of goodies was at her house. She loved to hear their laughter and see their smiles. Her family was the treasure of her heart.

Her strong work ethic, loving nature, and selfless giving of her time and talents will be painfully missed by all who knew her. She made a lasting impact on many generations. Her legacy will continue as we strive to live like she did...giving effortlessly. Judy was a beloved daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and friend to so many.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Leo and Helen Zeock and her brother, Mike Zeock.

Judy is survived by her loving husband of 42 years, Boyd Bailey; her pride and joy-son, Brian Bailey and wife Alisha; grandchildren, Rayni Barrett and husband Daniel, Kally Bailey, Kaytlyn Bailey, and Mark Bailey; grandchildren, Remington, Cruz, Caden, and another grandson arriving soon; sister and best friend, Roxanne Bayes and husband Rickey; mother-in-law, Ella Bailey; nieces and nephews, Sonia Cochran and husband Chris, Jason Bayes, Krystina Marmino, Timothy Zeock and wife Stephanie, Regina Bailey, and Stephanie Bradford; 11 great-nieces and nephews; and 6 great-great nieces and nephews; her WISD family and her church family.

Our sweet Judy's Celebration of Life will take place at 10:00 am, Wednesday, October 9, 2024, at Marshall and Marshall Funeral Home in Whitney, with Pastor Eddie Booth officiating. Burial will follow the service at Prairie Valley Cemetery. A visitation will be held from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm, Tuesday, October 8, 2024, at Marshall and Marshall in Whitney. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Peoria Baptist Church Children/Youth department in Judy's memory.