Judy Kay Chance departed this world on November 23, 2025, at the age of 82, in Tyler, Texas. Born in Gilmer, Texas, on April 24, 1943, to J.C. and Martha Penick, Judy's life was rich with love, laughter, and a profound commitment to her community and family.

For more than three decades, Judy served as both co-owner and comptroller of Penick and Chance Men’s Clothing Store, where her business acumen led to a thriving establishment that became a cornerstone for the community, reflecting her dedication to service and quality.

A Master Gardener, Judy found solace in the earth, cherishing the beauty of nature with her hands nestled in the soil. This passion extended beyond mere gardening; it was an embodiment of her character—nurturing, steadfast, and ever-appreciative of the splendor surrounding her. Her devotion to cultivating life also mirrored her ability to foster meaningful relationships, as she tended to those she loved with equal fervor.

As a devoted member of Green Acres Baptist Church for over 50 years, Judy poured her heart into teaching Sunday school. Her insatiable thirst for knowledge, particularly regarding her faith in Jesus, shaped her days and infused them with purpose. She lived out her beliefs through acts of kindness, her every interaction imbued with a gentle reminder of grace.

Judy's role as a wife, mother, and grandmother filled her with pride, and she cherished her time spent surrounded by family. Her bright spirit enlivened gatherings, often punctuated by spirited games of mah-jongg and dominoes where her quick wit and warm Southern sayings would bring laughter and joy. Her legacy as a devoted friend and an unyielding supporter of her loved ones resonates deeply, as she touched lives with unshakeable love and compassion.

Judy is survived by her beloved children, Julie Chance and John Chance, and cherished grandchildren, Katharine Simms and Alexander Simms. She was preceded in death by her husband, Paul Chance, and her brother, Charles Penick, alongside her dear parents, J.C. and Martha Penick. Their spirits surely welcome her with open arms as she rejoins the tapestry of her beloved family.

As we remember Judy Kay Chance, let us celebrate a life well-lived—a life that embodied the virtues of kindness, diligence, and unwavering faith. Her spirit will forever bloom in the memories of those she loved and the countless lives she inspired.

Memorial Service, 2:00 PM, Saturday, December 6, 2025, Green Acres Baptist Church - Chapel, 1607 Troup Highway, Tyler, Texas 75701.

In lieu of flowers, donations in Judy's memory can be made to the Christian Women's Job Corps at https://cwjctyler.org/donate/ or to the Rosewood Cemetery Association at 1044 S. Mimosa Rd, Gilmer, Texas 75644.