In Memory of
Judith Silas
February 25, 1940 - April 4, 2013
Obituary


Judith Barrett Silas, 73, passed away on April 4, 2013 after a brief, but hard fought, battle with bone cancer. Judy was born on February 25, 1940, in Atlanta, Georgia. Her parents, who predeceased her, were Lucille L. and Johnathan Reed Barrett, Jr. The family moved to Jacksonville when Judy was thirteen years old and she graduated in 1958 from what was then duPont High School. Judy attended Florida State University, Jacksonville University, and the University of North Florida, earning Bachelors Degrees in English Literature and Psychology and a Masters Degree in Educational Leadership. She went on to teach at duPont and Terry Parker High Schools, served as an assistant administrator at Fletcher and Lee High Schools, and was the Principal at Jefferson Davis and duPont Middle Schools. She retired in June 1998, after 30 successful years of service in the Duval Country Schools.




Judy is survived by the love of her life, Chester Earl Silas, who she marreid in 1972. Together they built their dream house, affectionately known by all as "The Swamp". It was home to countless family gatherings, school parties and FSU celebrations. Judy and Earl complemented and supported each other throughout their marriage as they successfully meshed their careers, families, friends, and enduring love for each other and the Florida State Seminoles! Saturdays in the fall were not complete unless you had a bowl of Judy's "Goop" and a plate of Earl's chicken wings while watching "The Game"!




Judy was mother to daughter, Erin Silas, step-mother to Nancy Garrett (Bob) and Chuck Silas (Norma), and adoring grandmother to Jessica Judith Wilson-Silas and grandson (in-law and love), Lee Wilson-Silas. Judy is also survived by her brother Reed Barrett (Frances) from Jacksonville and her sister, Susanne Burris, Tigeras, NM. She leaves a large extended family of nieces, nephews, and close friends, including the much loved Ting, Ling, and Champ Jr.




Judy made in indelible and positive impact on the lives of those around her. She deeply loved her family and was a loyal and thoughtful friend. She was an unwavering advocate for her students when she was a teacher and for her teachers when she became an administrator. She was also an excellent role model and mentor for those that had the opportunity to work in one of her schools. Her expectations for those she respected were quite high-but never as high as those she demanded of herself.




Judy's legacy is the warmth, laughter, wit, and joy she brought to those that were fortunate enough to share in her life. Most importantly, she made people want to do things right because that's the right thing to do.




Family and friends are invited to remember Judy at a "Celebration of Life" Reception on Saturday, April 20, at the Church of our Savior, 12236 Mandarin Road, from 4:00-7:00 p.m.




Memorial contributions may be made in Judy's name to The American Cancer Society



or a charity of your choice.




Arrangements are under the care and direction of Hardage-Giddens Funeral Home of Mandarin, 11801 San Jose Blvd. Jacksonville, FL 32223.