Judith Ann "Judy" Chilton

Judith Ann "Judy" Chilton passed away peacefully on January 27, 2025, in Dallas, Texas, under the compassionate care of Anchor of Hope hospice. She had spent the last 17 months in memory care while courageously battling late-stage Alzheimer's disease.

Judy was the youngest child and only daughter of the late Otis Joseph "Buck" Buchanan and the late Lorraine Mayol Buchanan. She was a devoted wife to Howard G. "Skip" Chilton, with whom she shared 41 years of marriage. Judy was a loving sister to Jim Buchanan and his wife, Diane, as well as John Buchanan and his late wife, Frances. She was a cherished aunt to James Buchanan and his wife, Allison; Lynn Buchanan Abbott; Debbie Buchanan Hess and her husband, Kevin; and Col. Robert Buchanan (ret.) and his wife, Erin. Additionally, she held a special role as godmother to Robert Buchanan. Judy and Howard were blessed with ten grandchildren, several great-grandchildren, and seven great-nieces and nephews.

Born on October 14, 1938, in Columbia, Missouri, Judy graduated from Hickman High School before earning degrees from Regis College in Colorado and the University of Missouri at Columbia. During her school years, she was a cheerleader and a member of the Tri Delta sorority. After completing her education, she dedicated her early career to teaching speech pathology in schools across Missouri, California, and Florida.

On February 22, 1983, Judy married Howard at St. Rita’s Catholic Church in Dallas. Together, they co-owned Medical Specifics in Carrollton for more than 12 years while living in Dallas. Judy was an active member of the Dallas County Republican Party and had the honor of meeting with former First Lady Nancy Reagan in Washington, DC. She and Howard were members of the Willow Bend Polo and Hunt Club and the Northwood Club in Dallas, where she and Howard hosted an annual family Christmas party. Faith played an important role in her life—she and Howard were devoted members of Christ the King Catholic Church in Dallas. They also maintained a home on Goat Island in Newport, Rhode Island. Judy and Howard were members of the New York Yacht Club.

Judy had an adventurous spirit and a passion for travel. She and Howard explored the world by personal plane or aboard their beloved boat, "Can Do.” They had a particular fondness for Cunard cruises and were on the first cruise ship to dock in St. Petersburg immediately after the fall of the Soviet Union. She adored her teacup poodles—Charlie I, Charlie II, and Charlie III—and found joy in cooking, growing roses, and decorating beautifully. She also was an avid reader, especially of fiction.

Judy’s warmth and kindness will be deeply missed by all who knew her. May her memory bring comfort to those who loved her.

A Memorial Mass will be held at 10:30 a.m. on Friday, February 28, 2025, at Christ the King Catholic Church in Dallas. A private interment will follow in the Chilton family plot at Sparkman/Hillcrest Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be directed to Christ the King Catholic Church or a charity of your choice