Judy Metz Jackson

Judy died unexpectedly on August 25, 2021 in her home on what she called “the prettiest street in Midland”. She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Bill, who passed away in November, her sister Tillie Metz McDonald, and her parents, Dr. and Mrs. Louis Frederick Metz of Stamford, Texas. Judy was born on May 23, 1937 in Stamford. She was a small-town West Texas girl who turned down a kiss from Elvis when she gave him a ride home from the local radio station because she was going steady. With a funloving and vivacious spirit - and antics to go with it - Judy got a mention in Coach Gordon Wood’s book about Texas High School football, but he said it was about Tillie (which irritated the more studious Tillie to no end). The “Judy Metz” stories are legendary. Judy attended Mary Baldwin College in Virginia for one year and then attended the University of Texas at Austin, which she fondly called “The University.” She was a member of Kappa Kappa Gamma (KKG) and remained active in the Midland Alumnae chapter until her death. She loved her time in Austin, dancing at the Skyline Lounge and drinking beer at Dry Creek Café. She used to say that Austin would be Heaven on Earth if you didn’t have to go to class. She moved to Midland to become a teacher and that’s where she met a young teacher named Bill Jackson. After meeting Judy, he remarked to his friends, “That is the girl I’m going to marry.” They were married over 59 years. After the birth of their first child, Judy stopped teaching and became active in many volunteer organizations. She was a member of the Junior League of Midland (JLM), the Midland Alumnae Chapter of Kappa Kappa Gamma, and every PTA of the schools her girls attended. Judy was the longtime Recruitment Chair for KKG and the regional representative for Camp Mystic for Girls. One of her favorite placements in JLM was working at the “Next-to-New” Shop, an experience that would serve her later in life. She and Bill were on the sidelines, in the audience, or chaperoning every band trip, cheerleading competition, or sporting event at Bowie Elementary, San Jacinto Junior High, and Midland High School. Judy was head of the Altar Guild at St. Nicholas Episcopal Church for many years, helping young brides get down the aisle and families mourn their loved ones. Judy was an entrepreneur, but she probably never thought of herself that way. Over her lifetime, she owned six businesses: Lynwood-Hampton Collectibles, MJM Jewelry, The Bargain Barn, The Consignment Collection, Showoffs, and finally, Judy Jackson’s Estate Sales. She loved how her businesses brought new people into her life, and those she worked with became more than just good friends—they became family. She was forever loyal to her wide circle of friends and was happy to lend her shoulder to cry on, be a listening ear or a sounding board, whatever the situation called for. And if a friend had a problem, Judy was always ready to help solve it. Judy had a keen sense of style, rarely leaving the house with a hair out of place or dressed beautifully. She loved her Estee perfume and loved it even more when people told her how good she smelled. Bill and Judy loved to dance together; it didn’t matter if they were at the Charity Ball in Midland or on the slab at the Texas Cowboy Reunion in her beloved Stamford—they would be the first ones on the dance floor and the last ones to leave. Together they waltzed across Texas following their favorite band, Jody Nix and the Texas Cowboys. Judy was the President of Jody’s fan club for many years, and they met numerous friends following the band from place to place. Judy is survived by her daughters, Jennifer Jackson Balido and Stephanie Jackson Spillane, their husbands Carlos Balido and John Spillane, and her grandchildren Elizabeth Balido, Catherine Balido and Jack Spillane. She is also survived by her sister’s children, Kathy McDonald, her namesake Judy McDonald Brown, Susan McDonald, and Laura McDonald Trevor-Wilson. The McDonald girls loved spending time with Judy and Bill on the Metz family farm outside of Stamford. A celebration of life will be held on Friday, October 22, 2021, at 2pm, on the front lawn of 1601 North “D” Street, Midland. The service will be officiated by Fr. Jonathan Hartzer and Fr. Jon Stasney from Christ Church Anglican with a short reception afterward. At her request, Judy was cremated, and her ashes will join Bill’s at the Metz family farm on Saturday, October 23, 2021, at 2pm, followed by a short reception. Judy loved animals, so in lieu of flowers, please make any donations to Lone Star Sanctuary for Animals, 4200 N. Fairgrounds Road, Midland, Texas 79705, or any no-kill shelter of your choice. Also please follow Judy’s advice and get your pets spayed or neutered.