June 3, 1948 – January 18, 2024
Judith Ross McNeely, 75, of Friendswood, Texas, passed away January 18, 2024. Her loss comes much too soon for her family and loved ones, though they are comforted knowing she is with our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Judith (Judy to all who knew and loved her) was born on June 3, 1948, to Dana June Claunts Ross and Douglas Leon Ross in Houston, Texas. She and her twin sister were the eldest of four children.
Judy grew up in Houston, Texas. In elementary school, she began one of her lifelong passions: music. She took piano lessons and participated in several school performances as a pianist or choir singer. Another of Judy’s passions as a young girl was serving her community. She was an active Girl Scout and member of the Order of the Rainbow. As a high schooler, Judy was just as you would expect her to be if you knew her today – she was involved in everything, from church choir to academic clubs, to music sororities, to cheerleading. She excelled as a pianist and even taught a few students. She sang and performed in school productions and led the school Booster Club. Judy went on to attend college at Baylor University, where she continued to be involved in extracurricular activities and made lifelong friends. She later became involved in several Baylor alumni groups and associations.
After college, Judy married and moved to Abilene, Texas. She had two sons, Le and Kirk, who she treasured dearly. In 1977, after her first marriage ended, Judy moved to Friendswood, Texas to continue raising her sons and to be close to her family. In Friendswood she became active in the community and was president of the youth football and drill teams, the Colts and Fillies. She later met the love of her life, John McNeely. They were married on June 4, 1983, and joined their families – Judy’s two sons and John’s daughter and son. Sadly, Judy’s youngest son, Kirk, passed away of leukemia shortly after his 17th birthday.
Judy continued her passion for community involvement throughout her adult life and was an active member of the Junior League of Abilene and later the Junior League of Houston. She could frequently be found organizing and participating in community events, singing at nursing homes, helping those in need, running charity events, and much, much more. She also participated in The Periwinkle Foundation and The Sunshine Kids – two organizations devoted to helping children with cancer and their families.
Judy and John were devoted members of the First Baptist Church of Friendswood. Judy continued to serve others by joining the Women’s Ministry, Bread Ministry (making pumpkin bread for church visitors for 15 years), and volunteering in the church office. She was the wedding co-coordinator with Anita Durham for 15 years, and she and John also sang in the church choir together. They devoted countless hours supporting church members and volunteering.
Judy will always be remembered as the glue that held her 900+ member 1966 Jesse H. Jones High School graduating class together. She had a special interest in maintaining a data book of current information for her classmates as the unofficial class historian. Judy sat on the Reunion Committee and played a key role in organizing trips and gatherings throughout the years. She cherished the times she could socialize and catch up with her fellow JHJ Falcons.
With John, Judy discovered another of her life’s passions: travel. Together, they enthusiastically explored the world – from the Great Wall of China to Iceland’s volcanos. Judy loved visiting the site of the ancient Olympic Games in Greece, the Swiss Alps, Pompeii and Herculaneum, and many other breathtaking cities and sites throughout Europe, the United States, and Canada. She had a talent for planning and organizing trips, and in addition to her trips with John, she organized several trips for her high school reunion group and for others. She and John were also part of “The Buzzard Bunch,” a church motorcycle group that toured North America together, traveling some 75,000 miles in 10 years. Judy planned many of the outings. Her family looks back fondly at memories of Judy’s detailed accounting of her trips, along with slideshows and souvenirs.
When not singing in the church choir or trotting across the globe, Judy enjoyed playing bridge with ladies in a local club, visiting her family, decorating for every holiday, attending the theater, and, not least of all, watching the Houston Astros play.
The bond between Judy and her family, especially her twin sister Jodie, never wavered. They frequently took trips together and supported each other through life’s many trials. She was a devoted wife, loving mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother.
Judy is preceded in death by her son Kirkland “Kirk” Ross Thurman, parents Dana and Douglas Ross, and brothers Douglas Leon Ross, Jr. and Richard Everett Ross. She is survived by her husband of 40 years, John Thomas McNeely, her son Leon “Le” Albritton Thurman II (wife Erika), stepdaughter Kimberley Merrifield (husband Charlie), stepson Michael “Mike” McNeely (wife Andrea), grandchildren Leon Thurman III, Jorge Thurman (wife Casey), Silvia San Juan (husband Luis), Sommer Mayorga (husband Alfonso), Melinda Day, Michael Braxton (fiancé Amanda), Joshua Landers, Jordan Landers, Jessica McNeely, Evan McNeely and great-grandchildren Damien Garcia, Michael “Mikey” Day, Elena Mayorga, Penelope Mayorga, Greyson Thurman, Graham Thurman, Nayomi San Juan, Yaretzi San Juan, Gabriela San Juan, her twin sister Jodie Ross Wurzbach and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.
Judy will be deeply missed by her family, her dear friends, and the many lives she touched. Friends are cordially invited to the visitation with the family on Friday, January 26, 2024 from 5:00 P.M. to 7:00 P.M. at Jeter Memorial Funeral Home, 311 N. Friendswood Dr., Friendswood, TX 77546. Please join us in celebrating her life on Saturday, January 27, 2024, at 10:00 A.M., at First Baptist Church of Friendswood, 111 E Heritage Dr, Friendswood, TX 77546 with Dr. David Lorenz officiating. Graveside service will follow at South Park Cemetery, 1310 N Main St, Pearland, TX 77581. In lieu of flowers, please consider donating to the American Cancer Society or another cause close to Judy’s heart in her name.
16 thoughts on “Judith McNeely”
I was blessed to call her my friend, we all were. Even though our hearts are breaking we know that she is well, happy and busy organizing a reunion with her family and friends. God bless you dear friend. Love and prayers to Jodie, John and all her family. Until we meet again.
Judy was a ray of sunshine with a heart of compassion for others. I am thankful our paths crossed at First Baptist. Prayers for John and their family. Cherish the memories which are precious.
Condolences to Le, Mike, and the whole family. I'm sorry for your loss.
Judy, Judy, Judy! How we all will miss you! from St. Joseph Hospital to Kindergarten to High School and beyond we've been friends! I cannot imagine my life without you in it! I know you are at Peace now and reuniting with your son and loved ones! This Earth was a better place with you in it! My love and prayers to Jodie, John & Le and all of the Ross/Thurman/Mcneely family. May the Lord hold you and your loved ones close to HIM during this time.
Judy will be missed and I have fond memories of Judy and Jody from Jones. I lived so close and didn't see her like I should. those Jones days were very special and I will always remember her smile and friendship. Linda Morgan Mangham Henly
What great memories I have of you and our high school times. My condolences to Jodie and the rest of her family
Sincerely
Gene Phillips. JHJ 67’
My sincere condolences to John and the family. Judy will be missed.
I know you will be missed by so many. My heart goes out to Jodie , John , and Le, and her church and JHS families. Warmly, Dot Warrington
Judy was a loving and caring person. I was glad to experience travel in Italy with her and John. She was most helpful with her Uncle Kenneth and for that I am very grateful. May her memory be eternal.
My friend you’ll be missed by so many. I treasured our friendship more than you ever knew. I love dear friend and now rest in peace.
I met Judy and her sister at Hartman Jr High. Very sadden to hear this but what a legacy she has left for her family. God please wrap your loving arms around the family at this time .
Toni Bowyer Lawrence
I met Judy and her sister at Hartman Jr High, where we became friends, I am sadden by this news. What a legacy she leaves to be cherished, my our Lord and Savior wrap his loving arms around them at time. My condolences and prays be with you all.
I too met Judy and Jody at Hartman Jr. High, and offer up prayers for her , condolences for family and friends and thanksgiving for a life well spent.
I too met Judy and Jodie at Harman Jr. High and offer up condolences for family and friends, as well as thanksgiving for a life well lived. Rest in peace, Judy.
Judy was my stepmom for 40 years. I learned so much from her over those years. When I met Judy, I was just a senior in high school. I had a baby between my junior and senior year, and got married. Dad and Judy would take us out for dinner every now and then, and Judy played with my baby daughter, Sommer, like she was her own granddaughter, doing Sick 'em Bears cheers with Sommer. I've always been a very shy person and Judy never knew a stranger. By watching how she greeted people she didn't know, I learned how with confidence, to greet, shake hands and speak to people I didn't know. This has been a life long skill that I probably wouldn't have without having her as a role model. She was the classiest lady I think I've ever known. I learned how to properly set a table for guests, where the silverware, napkins and everything should go. She took me to my very first Friendswood Garden Club Christmas tour of homes. I got to see the beautiful ways that one could decorate for Christmas, how to make a wonderful smelling Christmas aroma in a pot of water on the stove. Christmas, no doubt, was Judy's favorite holiday. My family and I spent every Christmas with my dad and Judy. She decorated every single room in the house with a different theme – Santas, snowmen, gingerbread people, etc. Their house was the Christmas place year in and year out including the bubble lights on the Christmas tree, that we originally thought were a little much, but became a Christmas icon at the McNeely home and we grew to love them. She always dressed for the occasion in coordinating Christmas attire sometimes with reindeer antler head bands. Her skill at making bows for presents was magnificent and another inspiration and skill that I continue today. For years when Judy would play the piano and we would sing Christmas carols.
When my children were small, we went through some very financially difficult times. Judy took my girls school clothes shopping two different school years and bought all of their school clothes and shoes for the year. When Dad and Judy would come to visit, during those hard times, they would bring bags of groceries for my family and happily help us in any way they could. A big part of that was Judy's caring and giving spirit.
When my children had children, she became MeMe. She went to every recital, Christmas program, and spent Halloween trick-or-treating with my granddaughters. She loved them so much and loved spending time with them, and equally they love her.
Judy's expressions and some things she would say will bring a smile to our faces for years to come. Her facial expressions when she was amused, were so funny, and the way she said "Well HELLO!" was hysterical and something we try to mimic all the time.
Judy will live on in our hearts for many, many years to come. We lost a very loving family member, a mentor, an extraordinary example of humility and humanity. We will miss Judy, very much.
Thank you Kim. Judy love everyone in the family so much and got so much enjoyment from interacting with the little ones!!!