Judy Whitney

Judith Ann Ellis Whitney, age 74, passed from this life after a brief battle with cancer on August 27, 2026, in her hometown, San Angelo, Texas with her two sisters, Jane Ellis Wardlaw and Robin Sugg by her side. Born on April 17, 1952, to parents, Hayden Parkison Ellis and Lillian Mary Sheard Ellis, Judy was one of the first class of students in 1967 to attend John H. Glenn Junior High, the “spaceship school.” Judy remembered that it was a big deal when Astronaut John Glenn visited his namesake that first year.

After graduating from San Angelo Central High School, Judy moved to Dallas for business school and subsequently worked as an administrative assistant for the Salvation Army where she met Donald Mitchell Whitney. They married on June 24, 1972, at Emmanuel Episcopal Church, and Dallas became their home. They welcomed their son, Donald Mitchell Whitney, Jr. on September 17, 1977. As a new mom, Judy worked in a florist shop because she loved flowers.

Judy lived in Dallas for over 38 years before returning to San Angelo. However, she returned to Dallas to care for her son in his struggles with MS and cancer. After his death, in 2022, she remained for several more years to be with her only grandchild, Hayden.

Known not only as Judy, but also “AJ” and “Nana,” Judy had a passion for photography; later in life, she was the photographer for all family and friends’ gatherings. Judy’s sister, Jane, particularly recalls their partnership in JW ranches which gave Judy a superb opportunity to put her photography skills to work. She enjoyed watching the wind turbines’ installations and chronicled in pictures the entire process of the wind farm’s development.

Other than flowers and photography, her interests centered around music, art, and family. Characteristically always putting herself into a caregiver’s role, she will also be remembered for her Christmas treats, her infectious laugh, and her big heart – way too big for her 5’ 2” body. Judy was a faithful member of the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd in San Angelo.

She is preceded in death by her parents, Hayden and Mary; her husband, Don; her son, “Mitch;” and her beloved pugs.

Judy is survived by her two loving sisters, Jane Ellis Wardlaw and Robin Sugg of San Angelo, and her grandson, Hayden Mitchell Whitney, of Prosper, Texas. Her nephews and nieces-in-law include Ginger and Scott Wardlaw of San Angelo, Courtney and Jon Wardlaw of Odessa, and Steven Wardlaw of Mertzon. Her nieces include Lily and Ainsley Sugg. Other family includes

Whitney, Ethan, and Riley Ray of Veribest; Carlee Wardlaw and Caroline of Mertzon; Jacob Wardlaw of Odessa; Hayley Renee and Jacob Foster of Temple; and Abigail and Trevin Bose and Wrenley of Miles.

Services will be held on Tuesday, September 1, 2026, Harper’s Funeral Home, 2606 Southland Boulevard, San Angelo, Texas, 76904 with the Rev. Celia Ellery, retired priest from the Episcopal Church of the Good Shepherd, San Angelo, Texas presiding. Graveside services will continue immediately following at the Mertzon Cemetery. Pall bearers will be Scott Wardlaw, Jon Wardlaw, Steven Wardlaw, Jacob Wardlaw, Ethan Sedden, Jacob Foster, and Pete Fuselier.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Judy’s name to the Irion County Volunteer Fire Department, P. O. Box 92, Mertzon, Texas 76941. The family also sends heartfelt thanks to Friendly Flower Shop, Geniva Hospice Care, and to the special ladies who tended and loved Judy: Rose, Molly, Norma, Clarissa, Crystal, Makayla, and Elena.