Born on February 6, 1947, in Dodge City, Kansas, Judy was the daughter of the late Beulah Dawson and Ralph Childs Brownlee. One of nine children, she grew up in a bustling household where she developed the resilience and grace that would define her life.
Judy’s life was a symphony dedicated to her community and the arts. Her impact on the city of New Iberia is immeasurable, leaving behind a legacy that resonates through two of her greatest passions: music and faith.
As the longtime director for the New Iberia Senior High Choir, Judy didn’t just teach music; she shaped lives. Her students will remember and respect her for years to come, not only for her high standards of excellence but for the way she instilled confidence and harmony in every voice she reached.
A Gift of Worship: A pillar of the First Methodist Church of New Iberia, Judy shared her extraordinary musical talents with the congregation for decades. Whether through the keys of the piano, the pipes of the organ, or the direction of the choir, her music provided a sacred backdrop for countless Sundays, weddings, and celebrations of life.
"To sing is to pray twice." Judy lived this sentiment every day, and while her voice has fallen silent here on earth, the echoes of her teachings and her kindness will remain in the hearts of all who knew her.
Those left behind to cherish her memory are her children, Dr. Tanya Sue Webb Watford and husband Lee A. and her son, Michael James Webb, Jr. and wife Amanda; two granddaughters, Payton Elizabeth Webb and Addison Faith Webb; two sisters, Patricia B. Bushnell (Ron) and Anne B. Blanchet (Ben) and four brothers, Richard Brownlee (Barbara); Dale Brownlee; Steven Brownlee (Pam) and William Brownlee (Cheri).
Along with her parents she is preceded in death by one sister, Marylyn B. Waltrip and one brother, Thomas Brownlee.
A Funeral Service will be held on Saturday, April 25, 2026, at 10:00 am at First Methodist Church of New Iberia with Rev. Xavier Torres officiating. She will be laid to rest at Evangeline Memorial Gardens in Carencro at 12:30 pm on Saturday.
A gathering of family and friends will be held on Friday from 4:00 pm until 8:00 pm at Evangeline Funeral Home. The funeral home will reopen at 8:00 am until 9:30 am on Saturday.
Those honored to serve as pallbearers are Ray Brownlee, Paul Brownlee, Bob Blanchet, Michael Martin, Matt Curtis and Aiden Carrier. James Waltrip, Mark Waltrip, Michael Brownlee, Tab Brownlee, Kevin Brownlee and John Bushnell are honorary pallbearers.
Family and friends are invited to share their memories and condolences by visiting her memorial page at www.evangelinenewiberia.com
Evangeline Funeral Home of New Iberia is in charge of arrangements.
