Judith Ann Wilson Mc-Quay took her last earthly breath on Nov. 1, 2024, while being wrapped in love by her husband, Joe, and her daughters, Bekki and Jennifer. A celebration of Judith’s life will be held at 3 p.m. Friday, Nov. 29, 2024, at the First Baptist Church in Shamrock,Texas, with Mark Howard officiating. Cremation and arrangements are by Robertson Funeral Directors of Shamrock.
Judith Ann Wilson Mc-Quay was born on April 8, 1942, at the Collingsworth General Hospital in Wellington, Texas, to Dollie Mae and Woodrow Wilson. She was raised in the Lillie community. She attended school in Quail, Texas, and graduated in 1960.
Judith’s lifelong love of music began with piano lessons at age three,and by the eighth grade, she had mastered the accordion, and that became her “ticket” to travel beyond local events, as she regularly performed at regional, state and national FFA and FHA conventions.
Judith embarked on her higher education journey at Minot State University, where she earned a degree in education with a minor in music. Upon returning to Texas, she began teaching music in public schools. She obtained a master’s degree in education, specializing in counseling, from West Texas State University in 1972, and later, another in school administration.
In 1983, she became a Licensed Professional Counselor while serving as a school counselor. Judith’s dedication and passion for counseling inspired both of her daughters to follow in her footsteps and pursue careers in professional counseling.
During the 1980s and 1990s, Judith played a pivotal role in the Amarillo Independent School District (AISD), serving as the Director of Counseling and Guidance. Her contributions were extensive; she developed programs like U-N-I and PALS and was instrumental in implementing many drug prevention initiatives. As the district’s grant writer, she secured millions of dollars in funding for AISD, helping to create and sustain critical educational programs. Her primary focus was to provide opportunities for young people to have experiences different from their daily lives. She retired from AISD in 1999, leaving behind a lasting legacy.
On June 9, 1973, Judith married Joe McQuay Jr. in Amarillo, Texas. Together, they led busy family and professional lives, balanced between city life and country life. In 1996, they relocated to their lakeside home in Shamrock, where Judith began teaching private music lessons. She shared her love of music with hundreds of students and their families, fostering a deep connection between music, spirituality, academic success and mental health.
Judith also served as the pianist for the First Baptist Church in Shamrock. She and Joe hosted countless gatherings for friends, family and youth, including fishing events, cookouts and holiday celebrations.
Judith achieved so much in her life, including Shamrock Woman of the Year, 2011, and AISD Counselor of the Year, 1976, and enjoyed many social clubs, including the U.S. Marine Corps Wives Association; Music Teachers Guild; National Educational Agency Life Member; Shamrock Emerald Study Club; and Shamrock Domino Club, as well as was a Retired Texas Teacher Administration Life Member and member of First Baptist Church of Shamrock.
In 2005, Judith embraced her most cherished role as “Gammy” to her grandsons, Aiden and Caden Peevey.She was an instrumental presence in their daily lives, guiding them with love, music and wisdom. Her life lessons will forever inspire them. Her spirit and love of life will live on through them. She was always their biggest supporter.
Judith was preceded in death by her parents and her brothers, Gano and Bill Wilson.
She is survived by her husband of 51 years, Joe Mc-Quay; her daughter, Bekki McQuay, and her family; and daughter Jennifer Peevey, husband Justin Peevey, and their sons, Aiden and Caden Peevey. She is also survived by a large extended family of sisters- in-law, nieces, nephews and countless friends whose lives she touched.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to the Shamrock Community Education Foundation or First Baptist Church of Shamrock Youth Ministry.
Sign our online guest book at robertsonfuneral.com.
