Dr. Judy Wilson

Dr. Judy Wilson, of Weatherby Lake, MO, passed away on Wednesday, January 25, 2017 at the age of 76. Judy was born the daughter of Charles and Dorothy Leininger on July 1, 1940 in Kansas City, KS. Judy enjoyed many roles in her life. She was a daughter, sister, wife, step-mother, educator, friend and mentor. Passionate about education, she was happiest sharing her knowledge with others. She was proud of her Argentine roots and was a graduate of Argentine High School. She received her associate’s degree from KCK Junior College. Her undergraduate master’s degree programs were completed at Emporia State University. She received a doctorate from the University of Kansas. Her educational background focused on the field of special education. Judy began her professional career as a middle school social studies teacher in the Shawnee Mission School District. She also worked teaching life skills to special education students in the same district. She was part of the Special Education Instructional Materials Center (SEIMC) at the University of Kansas. Skills from that experience led her to develop a grant program designed to teach special education graduate students specialized skills in a variety of areas related to curriculum development, managing an instructional materials center and staff development. Judy was passionate about the program and the students who were a part of it. As a result, many of those she trained carried those skills into their professions. Always the mentor, Judy constantly looked for opportunities to enhance students’ knowledge with a vast array of opportunities. She sought out experiences which took students beyond the typical classroom setting. Attending professional conferences and networking with leaders in the field of special education were among her priorities for her students. Many of her former students are still her lifelong friends. She served on thesis and dissertation committees for many KU special education students. Judy belonged to a number of professional organizations. Among them are the Council for Exceptional Children (CEC), the Association for Special Education Technology and the Association for Children with Learning Disabilities (ACLD). She was a past president of ACLD. She had many professional contacts with publishers of instructional materials and she was a contributing author to professional textbooks and journals. Later in her professional career, she managed the Instructional Medical Center for the Kansas City Kansas Schools Special Education Department. She created and presented staff development to special education paraprofessionals in Kansas City Kansas as well. Lest one think her life was totally centered on the serious business of teaching, she delighted friends and colleagues with special celebrations marking their milestone events. Happy hour with friends and colleagues were always great experiences. She always enjoyed entertaining friends in her home. Those who knew Judy well will always remember her infectious laugh. It was always easy to find Judy at any gathering, just follow the laugh and you would find her. Dan and Judy were longtime do-it yourselfers. They rehabbed a condominium in Chicago, a house in Kansas City, Kansas and their current home at Weatherby Lake, Missouri. Judy was a voracious reader and enjoyed completing the daily crossword puzzle. She and Dan enjoyed getting together with friends at the Argosy or Hollywood casinos. She will be greatly missed by many, many people. Survivors include her two step-sons, Boyd Daniel Herrin II and his fiancé JoAnne Chiera of Lenexa, KS and Bayley Daniel Herrin of Missoula, MT. She also leaves behind many friends and colleagues. Judy is preceded in death by her parents; beloved husband, Danny Lee Herrin; and one brother. A Celebration of Judy's life will be held on Saturday, February 18, 2017 from 4-6:00 PM at the Argosy Casino (Athens Room) 777 N W Argosy Casino Parkway, Riverside, MO 64150. Memorial contributions can be made in Judy's memory to the Humane Society of Greater KC, 5445 Parallel Pkwy, Kansas City, KS 66104. To share a memory or to leave condolences, please visit www.maplehillfuneralhome.com.

Tributes

Dr. Judy Wilson

July 1, 1940 - January 25, 2017