Judy Burkhalter

Judy Kay Burkhalter (74) was born on March 4, 1948, in Texarkana, Arkansas. She passed from this life on March 21, 2022 in Tyler, Texas. Judy was known to all as a devout woman of faith with a unique style all her own. She loved children, cooking, gardening, sewing, and was an accomplished musician, serving as the pianist for two area churches at the time of her passing. Judy was also a talented beautician/hair stylist and owned her own successful salon business for many years. Perhaps her greatest contribution to the world came after she retired from her profession. For the last 20-plus years, Judy devoted her life to helping others in need. She spent her days giving food, rides, free haircuts, and what little money she could spare to friends and neighbors experiencing hardships. When someone was sick or grieving, Judy would be among the first to offer prayer, encouragement, and enough food to feed a small army. Judy was best known for her sweet, giving spirit and her delicious homemade fried apple pies. Judy loved her family deeply. She was a primary caregiver for her parents in their golden years and, if you stood still long enough, you were sure to hear the latest stories about her children, grandchildren, siblings, and nieces. She was so proud of them. Most of all, Judy loved the Lord. Attending worship on Sundays and Wednesdays was one of the greatest joys of her life. Judy’s faith extended beyond the church doors as she was a servant in the truest sense of the word, humbling herself for the sake of others and living out the commandment to love thy neighbor. Judy was preceded in death by her husband, Herman ‘Buck’ Burkhalter, and by her parents. Left to cherish her memory are her sons, Cliff Lightfoot and wife Mary of Longview, and Clay Lightfoot and husband Brian Long of Columbus, Ohio; sister, Laura Brown of Longview; brother, W.J. ‘Buddy” Brown, Jr. and wife Teresa of Bloomburg; grandchildren, Dillon Lightfoot and wife Bethanne of State College, Pennsylvania, and Callie Lightfoot of College Station; nieces Lisa Gauthier and husband Joey of Longview, Brandi Vajdos and husband Nathan of Houston, and Janie Miller and husband C.J. of Bivins; great-nephews and great-nieces, Whitney and Morgan Gauthier, Jackson and Emily Vajdos, John Paul, James Luke, and Joseph David Miller; and numerous extended family members and friends who were all dear to her heart. Funeral services will be 10:00 am, Friday, March 25, 2022, at Calvary Tabernacle, under the direction of Hanner Funeral Service with C.J. Miller officiating. Visitation will be Thursday, March 24, 2022 from 6 pm to 8 pm at Hanner Funeral Service. Interment will be in Cass Cemetery. Guest Registry is available at www.hannerfuneralservice.com.