Judith "Judy" G. Cavender

Judith “Judy” G. Cavender was born in Syracuse, New York, the beloved daughter of The Rt. Reverend Harold C. Gosnell, an Episcopal minister and World War II Navy chaplain, and his wife, Marjorie Adams Gosnell. Her early life was shaped by faith, family, and service—values that remained her compass throughout a life of beauty and purpose.

In the late 1930s, the Gosnell family moved to Lincoln, Nebraska, where Judy welcomed the birth of her younger brother, Hal, in 1939. The family later settled in San Antonio, Texas, where Judy attended Alamo Heights High School and then the University of Texas at Austin. At UT, she was accepted into the highly regarded Plan II Honors Program and became a member of the Pi Beta Phi sorority.

It was during her time at UT that Judy’s life took a fateful turn. One evening, while attending a social event on the arm of her good friend Robert Oliver, she noticed a spirited young man in a plaid sport coat and bowtie—Jimmy Cavender. That moment sparked the beginning of a lifelong love story. Judy and Jimmy were married in 1954 during her second year at UT and embarked on a honeymoon to Point Clear, Alabama, near Selma, where Jimmy was stationed with the U.S. Air Force. Their marriage would span 62 years—marked by deep devotion, shared adventure, and enduring partnership.

As a young mother and the wife of a busy car dealer, Judy made sure the home was a well supervised haven for rowdy young boys with boundless energy. She and Jimmy raised three sons—Mark, Rick, and Stephen—with unwavering support, strong values, and an abiding sense of family.

Sundays began at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church in San Antonio, where Judy continued her father’s legacy of faith. After worship, the family would head down Broadway to Luby’s Cafeteria. Other family outings would involve the family ranch in Leakey, the Alamo Heights Little League Park, South Texas hunting, summer trips to Port Aransas and the boys’ golf tournaments- small, sweet traditions that grew into lasting memories and built enduring, generational friendships.

Judy’s love for her family extended through generations. She embraced her daughters-in-law—Susan, Suzanne, and Kelly—as her own, and delighted in the role of grandmother and “Nonny” to Courtney Cavender Smith (Tobin), Claire Cavender McNab (Easton), Brooks McCullough Cavender, and Kate Cavender Dawson (Taylor). The arrivals of her great-grandchildren—Ramsey and Calder Smith, Isabella and Miles McNab, Jamie and Liza Dawson brought even more joy and fulfillment into her life.

Known for her elegance, generosity, and inclusive spirit, Judy’s community involvement touched countless lives. She gave freely of her time and talents to community causes, including the Charity Ball Association, The Junior League of San Antonio, Morningside Ministries, Children’s Service Bureau, and the San Antonio Literacy Council. In 1974, she chaired the Texas Biomedical Forum Gala and served as its 7th president in 1976.

Judy’s deep faith found expression in her longtime involvement at St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, where she served faithfully on the Altar Guild and Lenten Luncheon Committee, including as Chair. Her love for scripture and spiritual growth was nurtured through weekly Bible studies, where she deepened her walk with Christ.

She was never more radiant than when hosting family and friends at the Cavender Ranch on the Frio River in Leakey. Judy’s hospitality, creativity, and joy lit up every gathering. A weekend at “Judy and Jimmy’s” was more than a retreat—it was an experience of love and belonging. She delighted in cooking, collecting recipes, and elevating every occasion with her beautiful calligraphy.

Playing bridge with great friends was also a lifelong passion. Especially later in life, when her faithful bridge group provided great joy and support, which she always counted as a special blessing.

The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to the devoted caregivers who supported Judy with compassion and dignity in her final days. Special thanks to Ana Arredondo for her steadfast presence and care, and to Alana Esparza, Justina Pierre-Louis, Connie Gomez, and Lola Frederick. The family also extends heartfelt appreciation to Dr. Fernando Lopez, Martha Lopez, and Lori Billingsley for their ongoing medical support and professionalism.

Judy is preceded in death by her beloved husband, James M. Cavender III, her parents, The Rt. Reverend Harold and Marjorie Gosnell, her brother-in-law William B. Cavender, sister-in-law Michaeleen "Mickey" Gosnell, and her nephew, Stuart Lee Cavender. She is survived by her brother, Hal Gosnell, and his extended family of children and grandchildren who live outside of Texas.

Her life was a blessing. Her memory, a treasure. She now rejoins her beloved Jimmy in the eternal peace of God’s heavenly kingdom.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made to St. Mark’s Episcopal Church, 315 E. Pecan St., San Antonio, Texas 78209, or the Charity Ball Legacy Foundation, https://charityballlegacyfoundation.org/.

Private services will be held for the family. You are warmly invited to join in a celebration of Judy’s life at a reception on Thursday, May 22, 2025. For further information, please contact Porter Loring Mortuaries at 210-227-8221.