Judith Holdridge Gausnell

KERRVILLE, Texas — Judith Holdridge Gausnell, 71, of Kerrville died of an accidental fall in her home Tuesday, Jan. 12, 2016.

Judy was born in Selma, Alabama, the daughter of Pauline Rodman Holdridge and Donald Shethar Holdridge, who preceded her in death. She was the widow of Carl Seth Gausnell of Dallas.

She is survived by her brother, Randall Rodman Holdridge of Tucson, Arizona; by a brother and sister-in-law, Dr. D.E. and Rebecca H. Holdridge of San Angelo, Texas; and by many dear longtime friends in Kerrville, including Jim Davis and Susan and Joe Heffington.

Judy graduated from San Angelo Central High School, where she was student body president and was involved in numerous campus activities. She was a finalist representing Tom Green County in the Miss Wool of Texas Contest. She also was an honors graduate of Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri, where she graduated with a double major in fashion design and English literature. Her dissertation, including her full-color illustrations, analyzed the sociological and class significance of women’s dress as described in the novels of Jane Austen. She did post-graduate study at the Parson’s School of Design in New York City. Like her mother, she was a member of Chi Omega sorority.

Her distinguished professional career included serving as top designer for Howard Wolf Fashion, manufacturer of ladies sportswear and dresses. Later in the hospitality sales industry, she led the sales divisions of the Harvey Hotel Corp., The Lowe’s Anatole Hotel in Dallas and MoRanch Resort in the Texas Hill Country. She was sought after nationally as an inspirational speaker and trainer of hospitality sales professionals. Her clients included several international hotel brands, for which she also wrote the sales training manuals. At the time of her death, she was at work on a group biography of celebrated women who made historical impact to shape larger social and political trends by their grasp of creative innovation in image, design and style.

Judy was a certified master naturalist, involved in the Riverside Nature Center of Kerrville. In addition, she recently was installed as a deacon for First Presbyterian Church. Judy had highly developed avocational interests in the cultivation of orchid species and in nature photography, which included study with David Muench.

Friends will miss her bright intellect, creativity, pursuit of excellence, eternally young spirit and loving heart. Judy lit up the room when she entered!

Services were at First Presbyterian Church in Kerrville, conducted by Rob Lohmeyer, on Thursday, Jan 21.

A memorial service also will be held in San Angelo at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, Judy’s family asks memorial contributions be made to First Presbyterian Church and Riverside Nature Center.

Condolences may be sent at www.grimesfuneralchapels.com.

Arrangements were entrusted to Grimes Funeral Chapels of Kerrville.