Judith Horton Allen

"I can do all things through Christ who gives me strength." Philippians 4:13

 Judith Horton Allen - beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, friend, mentor & evangelist - known as "Ju-Ju”, was born in Dallas, Texas, to Mary (Von Tress) and Kenneth "Tobe" Horton. Raised in a loving Christian home, Judy was taught from a young age to love the Lord and serve others. Her family owned a restaurant on Exposition in Dallas near the entrance to the State Fair of Texas. She was raised around the cafe "joint"; soaking in the spirit of service and hospitality that shaped who she was.

 Judy graduated from W.W. Samuell High School in 1963. There, her home economics class shaped her ability to sew, design, and become an accomplished seamstress. During her senior year, she met Richard at Big Town Mall where she worked at a flower shop. He proceeded to buy a flower and give it to her. They fell in love over milkshakes, onion rings, and movies at the Palace and Majestic theaters downtown. After their first date, Judy invited Richard to Young Life services at Berean Bible Church and evening worship at First Baptist Dallas where they sat under the teaching of Dr. W.A. Criswell, a preacher Judy admired. Judy was instrumental in leading Richard into a personal relationship with Jesus Christ.

 Upon engagement, her heart’s desire was a new Singer sewing machine instead of a diamond ring. Richard gave her a plain gold wedding band and the finest sewing machine available. It became a tool for ministry, relationships, creativity, and love. She created countless prom dresses, wedding gowns, costumes, designer drapes, and pillows. If you could dream it, Ju-Ju could sew it.

 Judy learned to ride horses at Richard's family farm in Greenville and fell in love with a Palomino horse named King. She was fearless on and off a horse and could shoot and field dress a deer in record time, all, of course, with full face makeup and lipstick.

 Richard and Judy shared 61 years of marriage, and what a life it was. Dedicating her life to Scripture memory, sharing the gospel, and discipleship; these were pillars for raising 3 children. She also instructed her 11 grandchildren to love Jesus with the Bible as their guide. She made each child and grandchild feel uniquely cherished and celebrated every milestone, showing up for every recital, rodeo, birthday, ballgame, and graduation.

Ju-Ju was the queen of hospitality. She could effortlessly host and feed large numbers for Reinhardt Bible Church youth group, wedding and baby showers, and family holidays. Her cooking was heartfelt: famous Von Tress cafe chili, homemade apple pie, Ma's cornbread dressing, and smothered venison backstrap to name a few, all while rarely using a recipe. She loved the State Fair and insisted on a Fletcher's Corny Dog at each visit. At the age of 60, Ju-Ju trained for and ran the New York City Marathon with her daughter Kassi. This was a testament to her strength and grit. Her children and posse of friends joined her at the finish line.

 She loved music, especially songs from hymn books, CEF gospel children’s music, and Hollywood Classic Musicals from the 40's like "Yankee Doodle Dandy" and "Gone with the Wind." Judy taught the "Gospel Fuzzies" at Lakewood Bible Church while she was a leader in Awana. She hosted Good News Clubs from her living room where countless neighborhood children came to saving faith with Jesus as their Savior. Her heart for evangelism was clear and unapologetic. She would ask people everywhere, "If you died tonight, would you go to heaven?" and proceed to tell them, "Believe in the Lord Jesus Christ & you will be saved." Acts 16:31.

 She is survived by her devoted husband of 61 years, Thomas Richard "Ricky-Rich" Allen; son Thomas Kirk Allen; daughter-in-law Allison Allen; daughter Kelli Lovell and her husband Alan; daughter Kassi Patterson and her husband Keating; grandchildren Lacie Lovell Wafford and husband Nathan, Angel Lovell Owens and husband Mike, ClaraMae Lovell Murrah and husband Hanson, Sadie Grace Lovell, Scarlett Patterson, Tippit Patterson, Vivian Mae Patterson, Hollis Patterson, Lydia Blue Allen, Toby Allen; great-grandchildren Ryder Owens, Rhett Owens, Rass Owens, Paisley Grace Wafford, Tinley Wafford, and Wesley Wafford; and many nieces, nephews, great nieces & great nephews. She is preceded in death by her parents Mary and Kenneth Horton; sister Linda Horton Dean; brother Kenneth Weldon Horton; and grandson Rainey Alan Lovell.

 Just weeks before Ju-Ju's passing, tragedy struck the family when her beloved grandson, Rainey Lovell, passed away at just 22 years old. It was heartbreak beyond words, and she felt the weight of that loss deeply. Wouldn't that be just like Ju-Ju, leaving for heaven to be with her precious "Peanut Cracker Jack." Philippians 1:21 "To live is Christ, to die is gain."

 Juju's legacy lives on in the hearts of all who knew her. Her life was a song of praise, a work of art, and a testimony to what it means to be a faithful servant of the Lord. She faithfully memorized and lived out the Bible.

 In the final moments of her fight with dementia, Ju-Ju was right where she wanted to be: in the arms of her beloved husband Richard. A life well-lived. A race well-run. "Well done, thou good and faithful servant, enter into the joy of thy master." Matthew 25:23.