Judith Havins

Judith June (Draper) Havins passed away on May 9, 2025. She was eighty-three years old. Born in Plainview, Texas in August of 1941, she was the daughter of Ruth and Laurence Draper. Her older brother, Kim, died as a young adult while on a mission with the United States Air Force.

Judy grew up on her family’s farm near Plainview. As a small child she enjoyed “tagging along” with her brother. As she grew older, she helped her parents with chores and tasks around the farm. Her life on the farm filled Judy with a love for family and a reverence for nature. It taught her the joy of extending courtesy and kindness to others, and the value of hard work, determination, courage, and responsibility.

Judy was an excellent student in school. She was a bit shy, and confessed she never wanted to be the center of attention. She preferred, instead, to be a member of a team.

After graduating from high school Judy attended Sul Ross State College in Alpine, Texas. There, she met and married Samuel M. Laughlin, Jr.; he later completed a law degree and went to work, first, in Roswell, New Mexico and, later, in Hobbs. Judy and Sam had four children. Their relationship ended in 1986.

Judy married William H. Havins, Ph.D., in 1988. His work prompted moves to West Virginia and Missouri. The couple moved to Abilene, Texas, in 2005 when vision problems led to Bill’s retirement from practice.

Over the years Judy worked as a secretary in a psychology clinic and in two different law offices. In Missouri she worked at a multi-mission state hospital as the secretary to the director of rehabilitation services. She was later employed at a state university as the administrative assistant in programs serving first-generation college students. Her performance in each of those settings reinforced her reputation as an exceptional team member.

Judy took a job in Abilene in the treasury management department of a large regional bank. In 2014 she was honored with the bank’s “Shining Star Award” for excellence in customer service. She retired from the bank in 2020.

In 2021 Judy experienced a small stroke that made it very difficult for her to express herself. Later that year she began treatment of Parkinson’s disease. She lived at home with her husband until a few weeks before her death.

Judy lived a life marked by quiet grace, gentle strength, and deep devotion to the people and things she loved. She was a steady and loving presence in the lives of those who knew her, offering immeasurable kindness and unquestioning support. She found joy in what some might call “simple things” – gardening, feeding birds, and admiring wildflowers. Her love for nature was second only to the deep bond she shared with her best friend and husband, Bill.

Judy is survived by her husband, William H. Havins, and her children, Noel Laughlin and his wife Anne, Kyle Laughlin and his wife Cyndy, Sara Laughlin, Lara Harrington and her husband Ron, and Judy’s stepson, Will Havins. Judy is also survived by nine grandchildren and one great-grandchild, several dear cousins, and many dear friends.

A memorial service for Judith June Havins will be held August 9, 2025, at the Grace Museum in Abilene, Texas. Charitable donations in Judy’s memory are encouraged, in lieu of gifts or flowers. Hospice of the Big Country, Marfa Public Radio, the American Cancer Society, and the Nature Conservancy are four of many non-profit organizations Judy supported.