Judith "Judy" Catherine Bartholomew Darensbourg

Alpha: July 22, 1937 – Omega: July 6, 2025

“A Life of Grace, Art, and Indomitable Spirit”

Judith Bartholomew Darensbourg, a woman of elegance, creativity, and quiet strength, passed away on July 6, 2025, just weeks shy of her 88th birthday. Born July 22, 1937, in Louisiana, she was the only child of Zona (Delahoussaye) and Louis Bartholomew. She was the beloved granddaughter of Judith and Althemas Delahoussaye and of Joseph Bartholomew, the pioneering African American who designed and built public golf courses in Louisiana and Mississippi.

Judy’s life was a testament to artistry, resilience, and grace. “My love of beautiful things, having the ability to make beautiful things, and wanting to share that”—these words reflected the influence of the extraordinary women who surrounded her. From an early age, Judy learned the language of needle and thread: embroidery and crochet at eight from her mother, Zona; sewing and the magic of fabrics from her grandmother, Judith Delahoussaye; knitting from her beloved Aunt Ada Louise Johnson; and later, advanced techniques in Bargello, needlepoint, and knitting from her lifelong friend, Xavier University professor Mariana Scott. These women, bound by love and craft, shaped Judy’s journey of Connecting Threads, a theme that would echo throughout her life and art.

Judy married the love of her life, Dr. Arnold E. “Teddy” Darensbourg, a man who shared her passion for beauty and Japanese art. To Judy, she was “Teddy’s Geisha,” a term of affection she cherished. Their love was profound and enduring, and she honored his memory every day after his passing.

A refined lady with an aristocratic air, Judy carried herself with quiet confidence and an unwavering sense of self. She faced life’s trials—losing Teddy, enduring the heartbreaking loss of her godchild Brett Keller, and navigating illness and pain—with extraordinary courage and grace. Fierce yet tender, Judy was soft-spoken, deeply considerate, and known for her sharp wit softened by a gracious smile. A voracious reader, her treasured personal library of over 1,000 books bore witness to her lifelong quest for knowledge and beauty.

Spring! “Simply gorgeous,” Judy would say. Spring Keller, the daughter of Judy’s aunt Brenda, was her heartbeat, her breath—her daughter from another mother. One could witness the love and affection between them simply by being in their presence. Their bond was remarkable and unbreakable, rooted in art, fashion, and a shared appreciation for life’s finer details. Spring’s devotion to Judy was unwavering; she ensured that Judy’s days were filled with dignity, care, and love.

In October 2021, after fifteen years of anticipation, Sabrina, a devoted friend, curated Judy's crowning achievement: her first solo exhibition, “Judy’s Hands: A Retrospective Exhibition of Connecting Threads,” at the Xavier University of Louisiana Art Gallery. The show honored her exquisite artistry and mastery of fiber arts—a lifetime of intricate, meticulous, and soulful work that merged tradition, innovation, and personal gratification.

A Life of Accomplishment and Creativity

Judy’s educational journey took her to Xavier University of Louisiana (1955–1958), where she began her studies, and later to Dillard University (1959–1961), where she graduated. In 1991, she earned her Certification in Elementary Education from the University of New Orleans. Judy’s career reflected her love for education and creativity:

• Educator: Fifth-grade teacher at Henderson Dunn Elementary (1961–1964), Gentilly Terrace Elementary School, Adept Coordinator and Substitute Teacher (1990-1991), second/third-grade teacher at McDonogh #15 Creative Arts Magnet (1991–1995), Community Resource Teacher for the Education of Homeless Children and Youth Program (1995-2000), and numerous roles in Title I and Literacy Programs, namely Creative Writing Teacher, she designed and presented Project Read “Make and Take Workshops, and was a trainer for the Development Reading Assessment, a system-wide initiative for second and third grade teachers (1994–2000).

• Social Advocate: Social worker with the Louisiana State Welfare Department (1966–1969).

• Artist & Designer: In 1985, she launched Full Circle, her designer label, showcasing extraordinary knitwear and fashion designs. For over 35 years, Judy taught knitting and advanced Japanese techniques, including 17 years with the People Program for Seniors.

Her artistry earned numerous awards:

• 1985: WYES Art Auction – Fiber Award for a sweater inspired by Calder’s “Reef Fringes.”

• 1988: WYES Silver Alpha Award for Excellence in Design (The Little Prince sweater); multiple Bronze Alpha Awards for jewelry design and contributions to the New Orleans Museum of Art’s Art in Bloom exhibit.

Judy’s work appeared in New Orleans Magazine, Times-Picayune, and The New Orleans Tribune, and was featured on WYES Channel 12 and WWL Channel 4.

Legacy of Love

Judy is survived by cherished family members: Spring Butler Keller (John), Crystal Bell, Dana Bell (Soren), Corey Jackson Jr. (Kylie), Willard “Squawky” McCloud, Jr., Willard McCloud III, Monique McCloud and Kwame Manley (McKenzie and Justin), and Novelle Delahoussaye Jones.

She is also survived by her Sister-Girl Friends: Sabrina C. Mays, Cynthia Hedge Morrell, Karaan Harper-Royal, and the McDonogh 15 Creative Arts School family, as well as her lifelong friends, Castro Spears and Lyndia Gray. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Dr. Arnold “Teddy” Darensbourg; her parents, Zona (Delahoussaye) and Louis Bartholomew; her grandparents; and her godchild, Brett Keller.

Acknowledgments

The family of Judy Darensbourg is forever grateful for the kindness, support, and heartfelt expressions of love shown by relatives and friends during this time, and offers our deepest thanks to Karla Barton for her extraordinary care and companionship throughout the final months of Judy’s journey. Her dedication and compassion went far beyond what anyone could have expected, providing comfort and dignity when it was needed most.

We are also sincerely grateful to the staff of Lake Town Village Assisted Living Facility, whose kindness and support were truly invaluable.

The Judy Affect

Judith “Judy” Bartholomew Darensbourg lived life on her terms—original, refined, creative, passionate, layered, and with exquisite taste. She leaves behind a legacy stitched with artistry, excellence, an unshakeable spirit, enduring light, and love.

May we all carry a thread of Judy in our lives — and may her story, like her meticulous stitches, hold us together in strength, grace, and infinite beauty.

Services Entrusted To Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home:

Relatives and friends are invited to attend the memorial gathering at Lake Lawn Metairie Funeral Home, 5100 Pontchartrain Blvd in New Orleans, on Friday, August 22, 2025, from 3:30 PM – 6 PM.

In Lieu of Flowers

You can help celebrate Judy’s legacy! Support the creation and printing of Judy’s Catalog for Judy’s Hands: A Retrospective Exhibition of Connecting Threads by donating via Venmo at SabrinaC-Mays-9 or by scanning the QR code below.