Judith Ann Dawson

Judith "Judy" Ann Dawson was born Nov. 30, 1940 in Springfield, Ohio to parents Martha Louise Norman and William John Dawson. Her family moved to Phoenix, Arizona in 1947 due to Judy’s health problems. Unable to tolerate the humidity, they moved to Tucson in 1948. Her father was in the optical business and her mother was a nurse and homemaker. Her meals were always wonderful.

Surviving family include Brothers Robert N. Dawson and John C. Dawson; Sister Norma Jean Hitchcock; Sister-in law Judy Jean Dawson; Brother-in law Robert Hitchcock; Nephew David Jay Dawson; Niece’s Leah Rene Hitchcock and Larissa Lee Hitchcock. Great niece Emma; & Great Nephews Logan & Corey.

Judy graduated in 1959 from Tucson High. She attended California Lutheran Bible School then returned to Tucson where she entered into the field of nursing. She worked at Pima County Hospital until Kino was built. She also worked for a pediatrician and Pima County Health Dept.

Judy loved working with children and animals, and she loved serving families. One of her greatest passions was working with horses; she showed horse in Western Pleasure and English, and she also trained horses. Judy had ridden all around Tucson, across the riverbeds and mountains. She always loved riding around God’s creation. The Lord gave Judy a great love for his land and animals. She bought a piece of land in Catalina and built on it; stretched fences, did cement and rock work, as well as landscaping.

Judy was always so grateful that her mother kept the family strong in the in the Lord. She taught her children about Jesus Christ from birth and kept them in church and connected to the word. As the years went by Judy grew stronger in her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. She loved talking to him on early morning rides; loved rejoicing in his creation of the desert, mountains, and animals. The coyotes would follow her in the riverbeds and mountains, and she loved how close she could get to the wildlife while on horseback. She also enjoyed soaking up all God created and the colors that changed.

Judy loved telling people about Jesus and had bible studies with neighbors and friends in Catalina. She never married because she could not find the right one in Christ when she was dating. She asked the Lord to help her plant a seed. So she realized that marriage was not what the Lord had planned.

Judy continued to serve others in nursing and in her neighborhood, taking care of children. Sometimes injured animals would show up for care. Like a coyote that was in her hay shed. Or a baby calf left alone without its mother - she rode to Miller’s Ranch to get help. Or a neighbor’s cow that ran away and Judy brought back home.

She loved teaching 4-H. Sue Armstrong and Judy were the 4-H leaders for Catalina. They had fun working with the kids in Catalina, and taught horse, goats, sheep, swine, rabbits, cavies & fowl. Some parents did not spend time with their kids so Sue and Judy took the kids under their arms, so to speak. They showed the kids that they were loved and not forgotten, and had a great time in giving themselves in service to others. God is Love.

God loves us so much that he gave his only son to die on a cross to save us from our sins. Judy realized the Lord chose her for who she was. She praised Jesus Christ for accepting such a wretched sinner. Also she has the assurance of eternal life with him.

Judy was born with a mutated gene which caused her cancer. She has stated many times that she was so blessed, because her cancer doctor told her she should have died in her 20’s or 30’s. But Judy gave God the glory because he let her live a long life. She has said she did not know how she could function without Christ in her life.

Judy is happy and free in Christ Jesus, who loves her just as she was. She wishes everyone here today to accept Jesus Christ as their personal savior. You too can be free in Christ.

A graveside service for Judith will be held Tuesday, March 12, 2024 from 3:00 PM to 4:00 PM at East Lawn Palms Mortuary & Cemetery, 5801 E Grant Rd, Tucson, AZ 85712.