She was born in Nacogdoches, Texas on March 27, 1935. After graduating a semester early from Nacogdoches High School in December 1953, she enrolled at Stephen F. Austin University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in elementary education and a master’s degree in art. While at the university, Judy also met her husband, Joe Bower. They were married March 23, 1955 until the time of his death in 1977.
After college, Judy began her teaching career, which would last over 30 years and stretch across the state of Texas as well as one year in Birmingham, Alabama where she was one of the first white women to teach in an integrated school. Education was her primary passion; so no matter where she went, she poured her heart into instilling a love of the English language in all who sat in her class.
After she retired from teaching in 1988, Judy continued to be a champion for the welfare of children by becoming a caseworker for the Jasper County CPS. On multiple occasions, she even brought displaced children into her home to see that they were properly fed, showered, and clothed before placing them in foster care.
In 1995, Judy returned to Van Alstyne, Texas where she helped found the South Grayson County Republican Club and was actively involved for over 10 years. She also helped establish the Footlighters Community Theater Group in 2001 and the Beacon Hill Quilting Group in 2018.
Judy is survived by her older brother, Jesse Lee “Skeet” Crain, Jr.; her children—Robert Wayne Bower of Monet, MO; Leslie Bower Smith and her husband Kenny of Pottsboro, TX; Drew Bower Stringfellow and her husband Mike of Sachse, TX; Paul Bower and his wife Christine of IL; six grandchildren and their spouses; and 10 great-grandchildren along with many nieces, nephews, and students.
A memorial service will be held at the Howe Church of Christ at 5 p.m. on Thursday, August 30, 2018. Dinner will be served afterward so that guests can share their favorite “Judy stories”. Additionally, out of respect for Judy’s life-long passion for education, the family requests that in lieu of flowers, donations be made to the Howe ISD Memorial Scholarship. All donations need to be sent to Howe High School, 200 E. Ponderosa Rd. Howe, TX.
Services are under the direction of Scoggins Funeral Home & Crematory, 637 W. Van Alstyne, Pkwy. Van Alstyne, TX; 7595. 903-482-5225 you may sign the online register book at www.scogginsfuneralhome.com.