Judith C. Leonard

LEONARD, JUDITH C. (1937 ~ 2024). The following is an obituary for Judy Leonard, spouse of Senior District Judge Don Leonard. The obituary was provided by Clements-Wilcox Funeral Home of Marble Falls.

Judy passed away peacefully in her home with her family and her cat, Gracie, at her bedside. Judy was born in Stephenville, Texas and was the daughter of Clinton and Lillian Cox. Judy grew up in Stephenville, Texas and met the love of her life, Donald Leonard, at Tarleton State College. They were married for 61 years. Judy and Don moved to Austin where Judy worked many jobs to put Don through law school at the University of Texas. After law school they moved to Fort Worth where they raised their family and lived until their retirement. They moved to Lake LBJ where they lived happily on the lake with beautiful sunsets.

Judy never met a stranger. She was kind and caring to everyone she met and always thinking of others. She had a great sense of humor and had a wonderful, giving spirit.

Judy was a strong Christian woman and attended church with her family at St. Stephens Presbyterian. She was an avid reader who loved all kinds of books, loved music and watching movies. She was a diehard UT football fan and Don and Judy never missed a game. She loved baking and cooking for her family and family events. She hosted most holidays and loved having her family and friends over for gatherings. All of these things she loved sharing with Don by her side.

When Don started his political career as a Texas state judge, Judy worked tirelessly to help get him elected, and Don said that Judy was the reason he was elected.

In addition to her parents Clinton and Lillian Cox, Judy was preceded in death by her loving husband, Don Leonard, and her son-in-law, Phillip Walker.

She is survived by her daughters Debra Walker, Cynthia Leonard and husband Henry Encina, her grandchildren, Don Leonard and wife Nadia, Sam Encina, Megan Benavides and husband Russell, Shelby Walker and fiance Maxwell, and Saralyn Walker, as well as 7 great-grandchildren, Austin, Donny Jr, Lillian, Aubrey, Carson, London, and Jo.

Special thanks to her caregivers, Teresa, Richard, Janie, Julie and Erika. They gave wonderful care in Judy’s final years. Also a big thanks to AccentCare Home Health, AccentCare Hospice and Baylor Scott and White.

Private Family Services will be held at The Texas State Cemetery, Austin, Texas.

In lieu of flowers consider a donation to a charity of your choice or a church of your choice.