Judy was born on May 23, 1947 to Kenneth and Clara Scates in Temple, Texas, where she was raised. Judy graduated from Temple High School in 1965 and from Scott and White Hospital School of Professional Nursing in 1969 and later earned her bachelor’s degree and master’s of business administration degree from University of Mary Hardin Baylor in Belton. During her 45 plus years at Scott and White she worked in various departments and specialties until she rose in the ranks to administration. Her time at Scott and White was a huge part of her life and she valued the lifelong friendships and relationships built there before retiring. In 2018, Judy was honored as the first nurse (RN) inducted as a Fellow into the Caduceus Society of the Baylor Scott and White Clinic. To this date, she still holds the distinguished honor of being the only RN inducted.
Judy is known for her outgoing nature, could hold a conversation with anyone and went out of her way to include others. She was a mentor to many in the workplace but also the ultimate student, always learning. She was a lifelong member of the Methodist church and enjoyed being involved with FUMC in Belton. In addition to supporting several nonprofit organizations, being a member of the local PEO chapter with emphasis on enhancing women’s education was a strong passion of hers.
Over the years, Judy began vacationing and fell in love with Colorado and soon after retirement bought a cabin in Creede, where she was reintroduced to and later married her beloved husband, John Paysse. The two had many great years traveling and creating new memories together from Texas to Colorado and beyond. Judy especially loved spending time together in her cherished Creede, Colorado home. Johnnie was a constant source of strength and encouragement for Judy and our family.
Judy’s kids and grandkids and most recently great grandkids were the light of Judy’s life. She made a point to be involved in their lives and attend all of their activities along with organizing trips and events to get the family together. In addition to her loving husband John Paysse, she is survived by her daughters Julie Turner (Lance) of Aledo, Texas and Jan McGuire Thomason (Kerry) of Cedar Park, Texas and her son Bill Doughty (Kerri) of Leander, Texas. Stepchildren Todd Hyer (Melissa) of Salado, Texas, Kenny Paysse (Becky) of Belton, Texas and Sandy Deyoe (Rodney) of Bozeman, MT.
Grandchildren: Will Turner, Brett Turner, Nathan Doughty (Lisa), Matthew Doughty, Reid Doughty, Sarah Doughty, Haley Fulton (Sean), Tanner Hartwick, Kelli Traver (Tyler), Collin McGuire and Owen Thomason, Cole Hyer (Brianna), Avery Hyer, Jonathon Paysse (Kelsi), Andrew Paysse (Callie) William Paysse (Ava), and Matthew Deyoe (Beryl).
Great Grandchildren: Dawson Hyer, Alice Doughty, Brodie Traver, Gavin Paysse, Noah Paysse, Hase Paysse, and Palmer Paysse.
Judy is preceded in death by her parents Kenneth and Clara Scates and her husband Bill Hyer.
Visitation will be held on Tuesday, May 21st 5:00-7:00pm at Scanio Harper Funeral home in Temple, Texas and the Memorial Service will be held on Wednesday, May 22nd 1:00pm at First United Methodist Church in Belton, Texas.
The family would like to thank Mercy House (Memory Care) of Temple. In lieu of flowers, donations can also be made may be made to Baylor Scott & White CTX Foundation, MS-20-S103, 2401 South 31st St., Temple, TX 76508- reference for Nursing Excellence or PEO to support women’s education. P.E.O. Chapter EW, c/o Daune Price-Hannah, PO Box 8, Moody, TX 76557.
