Judy Lemons Davidson

Judy Lemons Davidson passed away peacefully at home on June 5, 2026. Born on January 11, 1942, Judy grew up in the farming community of Memphis, Texas, surrounded by a large, supportive family, where she was very active in her church and community. After high school, she attended McMurry University in Abilene, Texas, where she met the love of her life, Rondel Davidson. They married on June 30, 1962, and began their lives together in Little Rock, Arkansas, where Judy completed her bachelor's degree in English and History with a secondary teaching certification. After moving to Jacksonville, Florida, for a brief period they returned to Lubbock, where Rondel earned his PhD from Texas Tech, and later after another move to Abilene, Texas, where Rondel took a job at McMurray University, Judy earned her Master’s degree in English from Hardin-Simmons. In 1972, they moved to McAllen, Texas, where Rondel joined the faculty at Pan American University, and they raised their family. Judy’s greatest professional passion was teaching poetry, prose, and rhetoric. She began her career teaching junior high history in Little Rock, followed by junior high English and high school correspondence courses for Texas Tech. In McAllen, she taught at Lamar Junior High before joining the English Department at Pan American University. She taught there for 37 years, spending her final five years as the Director of the Writing Center at UTRGV, touching the lives of thousands of students. Deeply committed to her faith, Judy was a dedicated member of First United Methodist Church in McAllen. She taught Bible studies and Sunday School, prepared meals and baked cookies, and served on nearly every church committee. She found some of her closest relationships within the Friendship Sunday School Class. Judy’s deepest joy came from her family. She instilled the values of faith, service, and education in her children and grandchildren, tirelessly supporting them through every school project, sporting event, music recital, and graduation. Judy was preceded in death by her husband, Dr. Rondel Davidson; her granddaughter, Hannah Gregg; her parents, R.C. “Sug” and Beth Lemons; and her siblings, Betty Pelfrey, Bobbie (James) True, John Lemons, and MaryAnn Lemons. She is survived by her children, Julie and John Kittleman, Suzanne Davidson Gregg, and Thomas and Deena Davidson, all of McAllen. She is also survived by her grandchildren, Rondel Taylor Kittleman, Dr. Elizabeth Kittleman (Dr. Jonathan Havener, and great-grandchildren Lennon and Harper), Ellie Kittleman, Mackenzie Davidson, Garrett Davidson, and Carter Davidson, all of McAllen; James Kittleman of Austin; and Andrew Davidson Gregg of Kingsville; as well as many nieces and nephews. A Memorial Service will be held on Friday, July 10, 2026, at First United Methodist Church, 4200 N McColl Rd, McAllen, TX at 10a.m. Memorial contributions may be made to the Davidson Music Fund at First United Methodist Church McAllen or a charity of choice.

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Judy Lemons Davidson

June 5, 2026