Judie Marsha Willette

Judie Marsha Willette, beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, May 20, 2025, in San Antonio, Texas at the age of 80.

She was born on September 8, 1944, at Jacksonville Naval Air Base in Florida, to the late Arnold Leonard Nevelow and  Esther Marianne Selinger Nevelow. Judie was the cherished daughter of a proud military family. Her father bravely served in World War II, and his dedication to service would become an enduring legacy within her life. As a young girl, Judie’s family relocated to San Antonio, where she began to lay the roots of a life filled with care, community, and joy.

Judie attended Jefferson High School before becoming a proud member of the first graduating class of Robert E. Lee High School in 1962. Following her passion for helping others, she earned a Nursing degree and went on to dedicate her career to caring for the people of Bexar County. She served with compassion and professionalism at the Downtown Baptist Hospital and then went to Bexar County Hospital for many years until her well-earned retirement in 1999.

A proud and longtime San Antonian, Judie was a devoted member of the San Antonio Conservation Society for over 50 years. Her commitment to the community shone brightly through her enthusiastic participation in NIOSA (A Night in Old San Antonio), where she celebrated the city’s vibrant culture and history.

Known for her green thumb, Judie found great joy in gardening, turning her home into a colorful sanctuary that bloomed with life year-round. She had a gift for making every holiday and celebration special, always decorating with care and heart. She had a love of cooking, her family will forever miss her great Mexican food.

Family meant everything to Judie. Her love created lasting traditions and unforgettable memories, especially during family trips to Port Aransas and San Antonio’s annual Fiesta. Her warmth, laughter, and generous spirit will be deeply missed by all who knew her.

Judie leaves behind a legacy of love, dedication, and community. She will be dearly missed and lovingly remembered by her children Ginger and Greg Klaerner, Trey and Pearl Willette, Shannon and Andy Thatcher, grandchildren, Chris, Nick, Shea, Chelsea, Kara, Jack and Michael  six great-grandchildren, brother, John and Linda Nevelow, three nieces, six great nieces and nephew and countless friends.

She is preceded in death by her two grandchildren, Amanda Willette and Rilea Klaerner.

A celebration of Judie’s life will be held at St. Matthew United Methodist Church, 2738 MacArthur View SA, TX 78217, Saturday, June 7, 2025 at 3:00pm where loved ones will gather to honor her beautiful legacy. The family is requesting attendees wear vibrant or bright colors in memory of Judie.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made in her memory to the San Antonio Conservation Society Foundation.

Her life was a blessing, her memory a treasure. She was loved beyond words and will be missed beyond measure.