Judy Redden, beloved mother, grandmother, great grandmother, aunt and friend, passed away peacefully into the presence of her Savior on the morning of Feb. 20, 2022. Judy was born June 16, 1947 in Allen, Oklahoma to Lawrence and Carlene Baker, both of whom preceded her in death. Judy was lucky enough to be loved by two fathers. Her step-father, Bobbie Downs, also preceded her in death along with her brothers: Tommy Downs, Johnny Baker, Jerry Downs and sister in law, Debbie Downs and her step-mother, Mary Baker.
As a child, Judy contracted polio at the age of 18 months and spent time in an "iron lung". Doctors were hesitant to give any kind of positive prognosis to her family. However, Judy's tenacious and determined personality gave her the personality that enabled her to overcome her disability and her challenges. Upon meeting Judy, others were surprised to find that she had EVER experienced multiple challenges in that her upbeat personality encouraged others always. Throughout her life, she never missed an opportunity to excel in any activity she put her mind to. In school, and later in her professional career, Judy's wonderful smile and sunny outlook were bright lights to others' days. She worked as a bookkeeper in Dallas and then became a 911 dispatcher for Dallas County, where she retired from in 2015 after many years of dedicated service to the community and the first responders. Judy was very devoted to her family and was her childrens' and (later grandchildrens') biggest supporter. She always made sure to let her family know that they were completely loved and uniquely special. In 2006, when Judy's mom passed, she again recognized the importance of family and her visible devotion and dedication to those she loved became priority in all she did daily. Judy had a strong faith in her Lord and she was a member of Wesleyan Bible Church in Mesquite where she attended regularly until she was no longer physically capable and made many friends. Never one to take a single day for granted, Judy's legacy of unconditional love and generosity will be proudly carried forward by her family into future generations.
Judy leaves to cherish her memories of love and devotion to her children: Jennifer George-Smith and husband, Mike, of Terrell, Janette Boatright and husband, James, of Mesquite and Amber Redden of Terrell; grandchildren: Steven Cobb and wife, Brittany, Summer Duckworth and husband, Chris, Sky Jacobs and partner, Seth Mojica, Nason Smith, Reagan Smith and fiancée, Destinee Belden; great grandchildren: Victoria, Nico, Grayson, Kensleigh, Lexy, Jordan and an expected great grandson on the way; brother, Tony Baker and wife Ramona; sister, Shirley Manuel-Richards; aunts, Dava Williams and Betty Morris; nephews: Shaun Downs and Mike Redden; niece, Tina Wicker as well as numerous other nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family and friends, all of whom will greatly miss her.
A celebration of Judy's life will be at 1:00pm, Monday, Feb. 28, 2022 at Max Slayton Funeral Chapel with a private interment at a later date. The family will receive friends beginning at 12:00pm to service time. Donation in memory of Judy can be made to the Kaufman County Children's Advocacy Center at
https://kaufmanccac.org/donate