Judith Anne Norwood

Judith Gaines “Judy” Norwood of Midland, Texas passed away on Friday, November 24, 2023 at the age of 88.  A service celebrating her life will be held at 11:00 am on Friday, December 15, 2023 in the chapel at the First Baptist Church in Midland.

Judy was born in St. Louis, Missouri on July 20, 1935 to William Bennett Gaines and Emily Pasmore Gaines.  She graduated from Wayzata High School in Wayzata, Minnesota and attended the University of Connecticut.  The daughter of an oil company auditor who moved frequently to audit regional offices, Judy lived in at least 20 cities before graduating from high school.  She moved to Midland in 1954 where she met the love of her life, Frank D. Norwood, Jr.  They were married on November 5, 1955 and over the next 65 years of marriage had five children, 10 grandchildren and 10 great grandchildren.  In contrast to the many moves of her childhood, the deep roots she established in Midland allowed her to actively serve the community she loved while building countless lifelong friendships.  She adored children and was a beloved preschool teacher for 14 years at The Hillander School.  Additionally, she enjoyed spending time in the outdoors especially when camping, fishing or hiking with her children and grandchildren. Judy and Frank enjoyed their numerous trips to Alaska and the Northwest Territories with their grandchildren in their motorhome. Over the years she was active in Stop DWI, Midland Crime Stoppers, the Midland Crime Prevention Commission, and served as a Sunday School teacher and children’s choir director. Her love for animals led her to always have a house blessed with friendly pets and to volunteer for the Midland Humane Coalition.  Over her lifetime, she enjoyed the companionship of numerous dogs especially, Trooper, Reagan, Logan, Hannah and her precious chihuahua, Roxy.

She is survived by her children, Julie Norwood Brown and her husband Bill of Midland, TX, Jeffrey Alan Norwood and his wife Gabrielle of Austin, TX and John Russell Norwood and his wife D’Ann of Midland, TX.  She is also survived by grandchildren:  Michael William Brown and his wife Claire of Denver, CO, Stephanie Anne Bocek, and her husband John of Hamilton, VA, Thomas Norwood Brown and his wife Alexis of San Diego, CA, Russell Alan Brown and his wife Nicole of Virginia Beach, VA, Jeffrey Bennett Brown of Denver, CO, William Thomas Norwood of Philadelphia, PA, Andrew John Norwood of Midland, TX, Philip James Norwood of Houston, TX, Forrest Alan Norwood of Austin, TX and Meredith Claire Norwood of New York City, NY.  She is also survived by great-grandchildren:  Larsen and Parker Brown, John Bocek, Jr. and Isabell Bocek, Elizabeth, Anne Marie and Gavin Brown, and Joanna, Gideon, and Benjamin Brown.  Judy is also survived by her niece, Donna Fairchild and her husband George of Willis TX, and her nephew, Darryl Cordero and his wife Betty of Kirkland, WA and numerous cousins in Minnesota.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Frank, and her loving son, Thomas William “Tommy” Norwood. Her grandchildren will serve as pallbearers.  We are grateful for the loving care she received in the final years of her life by Amy Alvarado, Mirella Chavez, Jeanette Davis, Selina Martinez and Christina Sosa.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to the Tommy Norwood Memorial Scholarship Fund at the Permian Basin Area Foundation (PBAF.org) or the Midland Humane Coalition, P.O. Box 53213, Midland, TX 79710.

Arrangements are under the direction of Nalley-Pickle & Welch Funeral Home & Crematory of Midland.  Online condolences may be made at www.npwelch.com.

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