Judy Ann Dumas, age 76, of Early peacefully passed away Thursday, September 23, 2021, surrounded by her loving family. She lived an amazing and full life, and we now celebrate her time among us.
Memorial Services will be held at 2:00 p.m. Saturday, November 13th, 2021, at the Early Visitor and Events Center in Early. Online condolences for the family are welcome at www.blaylockfuneralhome.com and her Facebook page.
Judy was born on February 3, 1945, to Joseph and Nadine (Bowers) Cooke in Kansas City, Missouri. She graduated from East High School in 1963 in Cheyenne, Wyoming.
After a short marriage, Judy and her two sons joined the family of Richard Dumas and his six children in Casper, Wyoming. Soon after, work took the family to the central Texas area having lived in Abilene/Wylie, Brady and eventually Brownwood/Early from 1982 until she passed away.
Richard and Judy both worked during the early years to support the newly combined family of 10 and needless to say, it was challenging. Later she was able to work from home which enabled her to support and attend the children’s functions at their schools and extra-curricular activities, such as sports, talent contests, school competitions, etc.
Judy always had an artistic eye and she bought a camera and button making machine, taking photos of the school teams, band, cheerleaders, drill team members, etc. and would sell the buttons to help raise money for the programs. Later she took her skills and keen eye and opened Dumas Photography in Brownwood, which would become the largest professional photography studio in central Texas. Eventually she even became the president of the Texas Professional Photographers Association for a year, and taught classes to other aspiring photographers for many years.
Unfortunately, breast cancer cut her life short after a heroic 5 year battle.
Judy is survived by her sister, Penny Dukes of Arizona; children: Jamie ReNai Vacek and husband Albert, Rick Dumas and wife Teri, Michael Dumas, Melody Dumas, Jeff Dumas, Matt Dumas and wife Wendy, Mark Dumas, and Daryle Dumas; 15 grandchildren; and numerous great-grandchildren.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Richard Harrison Dumas; and her parents, Joseph and Nadine Cooke.
Heaven gained another angel, but fortunately she was able to touch countless lives during her time here, and we are thankful for her legacy.
