Judy was born in 1935 in Detroit, Michigan to James Earl Vick and Lucille Mildred (Johns) Vick. She moved to Texas as fast as she could shortly after her only sister, Connie, was born. She loved Texas and rarely told anyone that she was born up north! High School in Austin, Texas was a wonderful experience for her. She sang in a group named 3B’s and a Honey (Judy being the “Honey”) and performed in Zilker Park’s Summer Musicals. She continued to perform on stage for many years in community theatre, most notably in the Pittsford (NY) Musicals during the 1980s.
Her greatest gift was the room she made in her heart for all the children who made their way into her life. Some were born to her, some added to her family through marriage and partnership, and some simply collected because they needed mothering. Some didn’t even qualify as “children” anymore! She was non-judgmental, totally present and quick to pick up upon the needs of others. She always thought whatever her “children” did was perfect. She filled them all with confidence and joy. Judy reserved her biggest smiles and tightest hugs for her 11 grandchildren and 1 great-grandchild. She was so proud of all of them.
Judy could plan a party/vacation like no other, which is how she earned the title “JVPTDFL” (Judith Vick Patton Tour Director for Life)! Although there were numerous trips and events, the Y2K family celebration in Bandera, Texas and the year Judy took all her “daughters” to Italy are cherished beyond measure.
The magic of a deeply connected pair of hearts was so evident in her long, happy and loving relationship of 40 years with Ed Morrison. They were incredibly happy to live and laugh together. She was the center of his universe and he, the center of hers. Together they shepherded a large, boisterous and diverse family, encouraging us to be there for each other and delighted when we were there for them.
Judy’s final year was spent at the Parkview in Frisco (Texas) Memory Care Center. Ed joined her there simply to “be there to hold her hand.” Our family is so grateful to the staff who cared for her with such love and tenderness and continues to care for Ed. Ed held Judy’s hand until she left us to join her heavenly family.
She is survived by the love of her life, Edward Morrison, Frisco, Texas; and by her children, Keighley (Mark) Jacobson, Dallas, Texas, Marshall (Lori) Patton, Honeoye Falls, New York, Gretchen (Brian) Grad, Chicago, Illinois, Karen (Joe) Harr, Chattanooga, Tennessee, Erik (Sandy) Morrison, Garrett Park, Maryland, David (Bonnie) Patton, Round Rock, Texas; her sister, Connie (Al) Taylor, Mary Esther, Florida; and was preceded in death by her son, Russell Patton, Kingwood, Texas.
Judy was proud of the accomplishments of all of her children. Gretchen Grad (AKA daughter #2) is the Founder of Hands of Peace (HOP). HOP empowers American, Israeli and Palestinian youth to become agents of change, believing the future depends on the leadership, education and actions of the next generation.
In lieu of flowers, consider making a donation to www.handsofpeace.org in Judy’s memory.
A private family burial will be held on Saturday April 10th at the Cook-Walden/Capital Parks Cemetery in Pflugerville, Texas. A celebration of Judy’s life will be held Thanksgiving week 2021 according to her wishes, complete with Tex-Mex, margaritas and Judy stories. More information will be available closer to the celebration.
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