Judy Lee Laird

The beautiful and vibrant Judy Lee Laird, 84, passed away peacefully on April 11, 2026. She was born on June 21, 1941, in Mason City, Iowa, to Alvina “Vicki” Peterson and Rex Paullus.

The family will receive guests at Schooler Funeral Home, 4100 S. Georgia in Amarillo, Texas, on Saturday, May 2, 2026, from 12:30 pm to 1:55 pm in the Brentwood Chapel. A celebration of Judy's life will begin at 2:00 pm.

Judy fondly remembered her years at London’s Bushey Park High School in England, where her family was stationed with the United States Air Force. It was there that she developed her talent for writing poetry, funny stories, and letters to stay connected to her friends and family (of course, with impeccable handwriting). She was especially proud of being named prom queen her senior year. She carried that same sparkle and charm with her throughout her life.

While in England, Judy married Henry “Lynn” Laird, who was also serving as an officer in the Air Force. Together, they shared daughters Lora Lee, born in Mildenhall, England, and Lisa, born in Canyon, Texas. Though they divorced, Lynn remained an important part of her life story.

Judy later made her home in Canyon, Texas, where she raised her daughters as a single mom and built a life centered on family and friends. She worked for over 22 years at Amarillo National Bank, where she made lifelong friends and was known for her warmth, humor, and vibrant personality. She loved to dance, especially at a local favorite, “The Caravan” in Amarillo, where she enjoyed many happy times two-stepping the night away.

During this time, Judy was delighted to be reunited in 1988 with her birth daughter, Lesley (now Jan), who was placed for adoption decades prior in the UK. She was so happy to have Jan and her family, including two grandchildren, in her life! On two incredibly special occasions, she was able to experience the joy of having her three daughters plus their families all together in Texas.

In 1999, she moved to Odessa, Texas, to build a life with Boyce Lay, who became her loving partner for over 20 years. Together they enjoyed a relaxed and happy life, caring for the countless number of dogs and cats (and even birds) that always found a way to their house. Those animals knew exactly where to go for a little extra TLC and, of course, their next meal! Judy had an incredibly special love for animals. Although she loved her life in Odessa with Boyce, she considered Amarillo “home” and was always excited to come back home to catch up with her dear friends.

Judy had a wonderful sense of humor and never missed a chance to make people laugh. She was beautiful, sassy, stylish, and always put together — she had a pair of shoes to match every outfit! She had a special gift for making birthdays memorable, faithfully sending funny birthday cards to her friends every year. She was also crafty and creative, spending hours sewing adorable Halloween costumes for her girls when they were young. She had a special talent for making things beautiful, including decorating packages in ways that made everyone lucky enough to receive one, feel extra special.

Christmas was one of Judy’s great joys, and she shared that love with her daughters, who now carry forward those special traditions. She poured her heart into decorating each season, and her Christmas lights were bright enough to light up the neighborhood. One of her proudest moments was being recognized in the Amarillo Globe News for one of the best decorated homes of the year! Her Christmas trees were beautiful, with tinsel hung exactly right and every detail in its place. Her love of Christmas brought so much joy to others, and that meant everything to her.

She loved her family. She especially cherished being “Nana” to her grandchildren, a role that brought her endless pride and joy. She loved each of her grandchildren more than all of the stars in the sky. She is survived by her sister, Connie Jennings of McConnelsville, Ohio. Though they did not grow up together, they shared a special bond and could spend hours on the phone laughing and talking.

Judy was blessed with a loving family, and is also survived by her daughters, Jan Shine and husband, Laurie Shine, of Milton Keynes, England; Lora Lee Laird and husband, Jack Moore, of Plano, Texas; and Lisa Dyer and husband, Rob Dyer, of Georgetown, Texas; and her beloved grandchildren, Dan Shine, Jonathan Shine, Jaxon Moore, Zackary Moore, Madison Dyer, Kennedy Dyer, and Reagan Dyer.

She was preceded in death by Henry “Lynn” Laird and by her longtime loving partner, Boyce Lay.

Judy will be remembered for her beauty, humor, style, sass, creativity, and her love of family, friends, and animals. Her memory will live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her.