Judy Ferguson Downe

Julianna “Judy” Ferguson Downe, 88, became a citizen of Heaven on January 14, 2026. She was born on January 22, 1937, in Huntsville, Texas, to John Leland and Finnetta Ferguson.

Judy attended Sam Houston State University, where she studied business administration and met the love of her life, James “Bub” Downe. Bub and Judy were married on August 22, 1957, when Judy was 20 years old. During Bub’s military service, they lived in several places across the United States, including El Campo, Texas and Pacific Grove, California. They later settled in Justin, Texas, where they welcomed their two children, Jimmy and D’Ann.

Judy devoted herself to raising the children until they were both in school, after which she returned to her studies, earning her bachelor’s degree from the University of North Texas and a Master of Education from Texas Woman’s University.

Bub and Judy eventually moved to Hurst, Texas, where they continued raising their family, became active members of First Baptist Church Hurst and both worked in the Hurst-Euless-Bedford Independent School District. Judy invested in the lives of hundreds of students over the years, both as a kindergarten teacher and as a Sunday school teacher. A true educator at heart, she poured herself into her students and many would later approach her to share the lasting impact she made in their lives.

In 2001, Judy, lovingly referred to as “Mimi”, retired from teaching so she could be fully present with her grandchildren: Julie, Claire, Sam, Laura, and Kaylee. She and Bub found great joy in spoiling their grandchildren; faithfully attending every sporting event, church activity, steer show, school function and never missing a chance to support the grandchildren they loved so well.

After retiring, Bub and Judy moved to their farm in Avalon, Texas, where Judy enjoyed hosting many friends and family members, especially during bluebonnet season. During this time, Judy was a member of the Avalon ISD School Board and served as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA), ensuring that children were represented with care and compassion.

Judy will always be remembered for her infectious laugh, her unmistakably loud sneezes, her fervent generosity and her joy in traveling. Those who knew Judy best knew her deep love for her family and friends, and most importantly, her unwavering devotion to Jesus. Judy loved the Lord with all her heart and was profoundly influential in her grandchildren’s walks with Him. While deeply missed, her family rejoices in knowing she is reunited with Bub, spending eternity together in the presence of their Savior.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents, John Leland and Finnetta Ferguson, and her husband of 62 years, James Herbert “Bub” Downe.

She is survived by her son, Jimmy Downe and wife, Wende; her daughter, D’Ann Jordan and husband, Rory; five grandchildren; eight great-grandchildren (plus one due in April whom she was excited to meet); her sister, Jane German and husband, John; and numerous nieces and nephews.

Not to us, O Lord, but to your name be the glory. -Psalm 115:1