Judith Ann Grantham Allen

Today, 05:00 AM

Judith Allen

Dec. 2, 1935 Aug. 23, 2025

Judith Ann Grantham Allen, who never once left a room without making it brighter, gracefully and politely excused herself from a years-long battle with Alzheimer’s disease on Aug. 23, 2025. Born on Dec. 2, 1935, in Columbus, Georgia, Judy’s parents, Brelon and Hazel Grantham, along with siblings Corky and Pat, welcomed her into a world filled with laughter and song. Growing up in Jackson, Mississippi, she enjoyed Girl Scouts, acting and playing the clarinet.

After graduating from Central High School, she attended Southern Methodist University in Dallas, where she was a member of Chi Omega sorority. It was there that Judy met the self-proclaimed, “luckiest man on campus,” Clyde M. Allen. She was an astute young lady, and agreed to go on a date with Clyde only if his sister Joyce came along. Clyde, Judy and Joyce began dating in the fall of 1954, creating some wonderful memories together, In March of 1956, Judy and Clyde married in Jackson and immediately became guests of the U.S. Army in Heidelberg, Germany. As newlyweds and first-time residents of Germany, they embraced their new life with curiosity and vigor, building an unwavering foundation that supported their marriage for over 69 years.

Back in the states, the couple moved to Kingsville, Texas, and Clyde began managing his family’s store, Allen Furniture Company. Judy adapted quickly and was soon hosting bridge parties, tagging along on hunting trips and learning how to scramble calf brains for her new father-in-law’s breakfast. She always kept her sense of humor and soon became a Kingsville native. In 1958, Judy gave birth to her first child, Suzanna. Ellen arrived in 1960, and Allison debuted in 1966. Judy loved her daughters fiercely and never went a day without making sure they knew it. She was a masterful gardener, chef, and vocabulary-builder —insisting on adding Readers Digest, “It Pays to Increase Your Word Power” in her girls’ lunchboxes to share with their friends in the high school cafeteria. She was strict when it came to manners, letter-writing and social etiquette. (“Always say yes to the first boy who asks you.” Advice that could be misinterpreted now, but the spirit of compassion and respect for others was more than implied, it was canon law.)

The epitome of a South Texas woman, she always had a bright smile, a warm greeting and a sharp eye for snakes. We loved her with all of our hearts and have always wondered how we got so lucky.

Judy was the impetus behind and inspiration for The Pineapple Shop, the gift and bridal registry department within Allen Furniture. A discerning and innovative buyer for the shop, her natural warmth and joy put many a nervous bride (and their mothers) at ease.

She cherished her 50+ years with the Kingsville Women’s Club and the special friendships made there. Judy flourished in the Kingsville Garden Club, learning so much about plants that she delighted in naming every tree and flower in her view. She enjoyed nurturing plants and sharing her knowledge. A member of the Church of Epiphany for over 68 years, she served as their first female Senior Warden. She braved being a Sunday School teacher, an Altar Guild Fairy and Vestry leader. She was also a founding member of Chi Omega sorority at Texas A&I University and was their sponsor for many years.

Judy loved traveling the world with Clyde. They spent time in Ireland, England, China, Russia and Baffin Bay. Her warm smile and social graces enchanted each person she met, regardless of any language barriers.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 69 years, Clyde M. Allen of Boerne. She will be forever missed by her children: Suzanna (Mark) Hawkins of Midland, Ellen Brogdon of Austin, and Allison (Mark) Torgove of Los Angeles. She was so proud of her grandchildren and great-grandchildren: Ben Hawkins, Luke (Anna) Hawkins (Lucas, Henry & Molly), Grant (Carrie) Hawkins (Corinne & Gigi), Adam (Tessa) Kohut (Annie & Gwen), Amanda (Matt) Larkins (Linde, Charlotte & Thomas), Clay (Paola) Kohut (Arthur), Sam Torgove, Jackson Torgove and Annabelle Torgove.

The family is eternally grateful to Judy’s favorite daughter, Ruthie Gonzalez of Kingsville. Ruthie not only provided consistent and exceptional care, she was Judy’s trusted ally and true friend.

We smile when remembering Judy’s southern sayings: Many hands make light work.

Pretty is as pretty does. A man’s work is from sun to sun, but a woman’s work is never done.

Talk your arm off and whisper in the socket.

Don’t cry over things that can’t cry.

There’s just a screen door between there and hell.

May her memory be a reminder that life is best-lived with grace and laughter and that a perfectly composed thank-you note can carry you just about anywhere.

Memorial Service: Saturday, Nov. 8 at 1 p.m. at Epiphany Episcopal Church, 120 N. Third St., Kingsville. Reception: Helen Kleberg Community Center, 203 W. Yoakum Avenue, Kingsville.