Judy Caskey Tarver

Judy Lea Caskey Tarver went home to be with her Lord and Savior on January 3, 2023. She was born on December 13, 1944, to Guy and Jessie Lee Caskey in Pampa, Texas. In 1949 her family left America to become missionaries in Africa including Johannesburg, South Africa, Zimbabwe, and Tanzania. Judy learned to speak fluent Swahili as a child. Stories about her life in Africa were exciting and captivating. The Caskeys returned to Pampa and Judy completed her senior year, graduating from Pampa High School in 1963. Following graduation, she attended Abilene Christian College (ACC). Judy soon became the beloved mother of Chris and Chad Balch. While living a decade in Saudi Arabia Judy developed a greater love for international travel, decorating, and entertaining. She studied at New York University to earn a degree in Interior Design. Making things beautiful is what she did best, and Lea’s Studios was established. Her career in interior decorating would take her across the United States and across the globe. Judy decorated the homes, offices, vacation homes, and unique events of the famous and not-so-famous. She graciously offered her talents to friends and family. Judy never retired from decorating and completed several work projects up until the end of 2022. Judy and her boys moved to The Woodlands, Texas in 1982. It was in 1986 that Judy met the love of her life and soulmate, Cleo B. Tarver. On August 15, 1987, they married and blended two families. Judy and Cleo made it a priority to love and support all their children: Tom, Traci, Jason, Chris, and Chad. The Tarver’s love story included date nights to favorite restaurants and symphonies, vacations all over the United States and abroad, mission trips to The Bahamas and Africa, and attending events of loved ones and friends. Judy and Cleo were a wonderful team as members of the church of Christ. Together they visited the sick and grieving and were dedicated prayer warriors. Judy worked tirelessly to make each and every person in her life feel special. From birthday celebrations to magnificent Christmas parties in her home to a simple lunch at the kitchen table, she was the hostess (and amazing cook) who put her heart into every detail. There will be a void now for many who will miss Judy’s daily text messages, greeting cards in the mail, and gifts of banana bread. Her Christian faith and eternal optimism always left the feeling that everything will be okay. We will try to follow your example sweet Wife, Mama, Nana, JuJu, and Friend but you will be deeply missed. Judy is preceded in death by her parents Guy and Jessie Lee Caskey; brother, David Caskey; and grandson, Grant Michael Hobson. She is survived by her husband, Cleo B. Tarver; children, Chris (Amy) Balch, Chad Balch and Jason Graves, Tom Tarver and Roy Phelps, Traci (Tyler) Hobson, Jason (Kelli) Tarver; grandchildren, Cori Tarver, Brayden (Taylor) Hobson, Joel Balch, Luke Balch, Caleb Balch, Emmi Tarver, Aubri Tarver; great-grandchildren Gavin Tarver, Ellie Martinez, Bowie Hobson, and Banks Hobson. The stream will be on our web page at: http://woodlandoaks.org/live-streaming.html And will also be on our YouTube channel at: https://www.youtube.com/@woodlandoaks Please consider making a donation in Judy's memory to Mission Printing; 2707 Medlin Dr. Arlington, Texas 76015-1449

Judy Caskey Tarver

December 13, 1944 - January 3, 2023