Judy Haskins Raines

Judy Haskins Raines - a dear mother, friend, cook and wife passed away on January 4th, 2025, after becoming acutely ill with kidney failure. Judy lived an amazing 83 years and touched the lives of many. Judy will be remembered for her time spent in the kitchen preparing delicious meals, her heart for stray and unwanted pets, her love for the Labrador Retriever breed, her open-door policy for family and friends, an uncanny ability to make friends almost anywhere she went, and simply for being a mom.

Judy was born November 2nd, 1941, and was the daughter of John Carl Haskins and Catherine Balch Haskins. Her brother, John Talley Haskins, a physician in Oklahoma City, preceded her in death in 2008. She adored John and spent as much time as she could with him, given the distance between them. Judy grew up in the small town of Durant, Oklahoma where she mastered her talent as a concert pianist. Upon graduating from Durant High School, she moved to Dallas to attend Southern Methodist University where she studied music and was voted “most beautiful” on campus in 1960. She met her husband of 44 years, James McPike Raines, at summer school in Boulder, Colorado. They shared an adventurous and fun life together and had four children – Greg (deceased), Shannon, Ashley (deceased), and Hillary. She and Jimmy moved to New Jersey early in their marriage and then returned to Texas to raise their children.

Judy could be found on the sidelines of her children’s sports games, cheering her husband on in countless golf tournaments, participating in numerous South Texas dove hunts, watching her favorite Spurs team, and loving her friends and family. She was extremely proud of her children and grandchildren and lived to tell anyone about them that might listen. She volunteered with the Junior League for many years and taught her children about the importance of being kind- especially to those with less. Judy was easy to talk to, had a great sense of humor, was rarely on time, loved walking the aisles of HEB and greeting every employee, and for years could be found cruising the neighborhood in her signature Cadillac. She was fondly known as Cita by her beloved grandchildren.

Judy is survived by her loving family: daughter, Shannon Raines Espy and son-in law, Ben Espy, four grandchildren Madeleine, Claudia, Benjamin, and Eli Espy; daughter, Hillary Raines Wilson and son-in-law, Trey Wilson, two grandchildren Jack and Talley Wilson; grandchildren Austin, Rachel, and Spencer Raines; and nephew Nathaniel Haskins. Special thanks to Maria Garcia for caring for Judy for countless years allowing her to stay with her dog, Charlotte, in the home she adored.

Judy will be missed, though we know her legacy will live on in those that knew her. She loved the Lord with her whole heart and will be anxiously waiting for her friends and family to join her. Until we meet again, take good care of everyone for us Mom.

A celebration will take place this coming week, if you wish to attend, please reach out to her family.

Should you choose to honor Judy’s legacy and her heart for animals - tax-deductible donations can be made to SNIPSA:PO Box 90325 San Antonio, Texas 78209snipsa.org