Judy Brakebill

Memorial services for Judy Brakebill of Lindale, and formerly of Mineola, will be held Saturday, December 19, 2015, at 11 am at First United Methodist Church Lindale with Rev. Bryan Brown and Rev. Rick Ivey officiating. Mrs. Brakebill passed away November 29, 2015 after a lengthy battle with cancer with her loved ones by her side. Judith Eve was born July 20, 1940 to Sydney and Signe McAlpin in New York City. She grew up in New Jersey until her family moved to Tyler when she was in high school. Although she spent most of her life in Texas, she never lost her “yankee” roots. She was a 1958 graduate of Tyler High School and attended Tyler Junior College from 1958-1959 where she was an Apache Belle and began dating her future husband, Phil Brakebill. They were married on April 22, 1960 in Tyler at Highland Presbyterian Church. Judy and Phil were married for 54 years before he passed away in September 2014. The majority of their years were lived in Tyler and Lindale. Judy was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend. Her first-born, Chrissy, was disabled and she lovingly cared for her the thirteen years of her short life, while also raising two boys, Philp and David. She worked at a few jobs over the years including Dearborn Brass, Fleming’s Dress Shop and Assistant to the Director of Special Education for Lindale ISD. However, most of her years were spent tending to and attending games, recitals and ceremonies of her children and grandchildren or actively serving in the church and community. She was a member of First United Methodist Church Lindale where she sang in the chancel choir, was in the hand bell choir, was a member of the Builders SS class, and volunteered every other week at the Wee Care Thrift Shop. She was also a member and treasurer of the Lucy Bradshaw class which was filled with many ladies who were her senior. She always made sure they were taken care of and arranged activities for them. She was active in the Lindale Garden Club for many years where she served as president, treasurer and other offices. She was a member of the Busy Bees Quilting Group and enjoyed playing mahjongg with her friends. She and Phil enjoyed square dancing and were members of the Rambling Roses Square Dancers where they served a term as president. They loved to travel and shop for antiques. They could be found many weekend nights “at the auction” searching for treasures with friends. Their lives were spent in serving and involvement in their community and they were rewarded with many loyal friends, In addition to her husband, Phil, Judy was preceded in death by a daughter, Donna Christine and her parents. She is survived by her son Philip and wife Brenda of Allen, Texas; her son David and wife Karen of Providence Forge, Virginia; 5 grandchildren; Austin and Emily Brakebill of Allen, Texas; Ashley Picard of Chesapeake, Virginia; Alex Phillips of Quinton, Virginia; and Peter Phillips of Norfolk, Virginia. She is also survived by 2 great grandchildren, Benjamin and Henry Picard of Chesapeake, Virginia. Judy was blessed to have 3 beloved nieces and a host of cousins. She will be greatly missed by her family and friends. Memorials, if desired, may be made to First United Methodist Church Lindale, Building Fund, P.O. Box 367 Lindale, TX 75771

Judy Brakebill

July 20, 1940 - November 28, 2015