Judy Autrey Boone, 82, passed away on Thursday, September 3rd, 2026, with family by her side. Judy was born on October 9th, 1943, in Quanah, Texas, to Maxine Walker Autrey and Dan W. Autrey.
She spent much of her childhood in Yoakum and graduated from high school in 1961. At age 13, she was named TomTom Rodeo Queen, and during her high school years, she was chosen as drum major and voted Most Beautiful in her class. She loved playing the piano and was the pianist and organist for the United Methodist Church for many years.
Judy was the second of four sisters and was always immensely proud to be one of the “Autrey Girls” from Yoakum. Judy went on to graduate from the University of Houston and began a life filled with motherhood, service, hard work, and leadership. She taught high school before becoming a successful business owner. She later became a State Farm insurance agent and eventually moved into management, where she was a highly respected leader and mentor to many.
After retirement, Judy created a life she dearly loved in Fredericksburg, building her dream home on a hill with her beloved sister and brother-in-law as her neighbors. She especially loved the peace and beauty of the sunsets that stretched across the Texas Hill Country. Never one to sit still for long, Judy worked part-time at a winery where she made wonderful friends, shared plenty of laughter, and truly enjoyed herself. She loved to travel with her sisters and paint pictures of the people and places that meant the most to her.
Throughout her life, Judy was known by many names, each one reflecting a special relationship she treasured—Gamaw, Grandma, Maw, Aunt Judy, and Aunt “Beauty”. Of all the roles she held throughout her life, some of her greatest joy came from being a devoted grandmother, great-grandmother, aunt, and great-aunt.
She spent countless hours running the roads and flying the skies to spend as much time as possible with her grandchildren and family, always showing up to support, celebrate, and simply be a part of their lives. She loved fiercely, stood firmly beside the people she cared about, and could always be counted on when it mattered most. No matter the reason, Judy was the one you wanted in your corner, and her devotion to her family and friends will be deeply missed and lovingly remembered.
Judy was preceded in death by her parents, Dan W. and Maxine Autrey of Yoakum, and her niece, Abby Pohler, of Seguin.
Judy is survived by her children: Shannon Hrncir (Ross) of Hallettsville, Darren Boone (Jessica) of Matagorda, and Gaelynn Brown (Jack) of Yorktown; her grandchildren: Jacob Haskell, Autrey Risser (Luke), Dakotah, Nicholas, and Rheese Boone, Carsyn, Hadley, and Brynna Brown, Ashlyn and Abigail Kelly, and great-grandchildren: Jack, Verity, Cora, and Callan Risser. Survivors also include her sisters: Alice Autrey of Missouri, Gayle Ramsay (Doug) of Fredericksburg, and Lynn Pohler (Claude) of Yoakum, along with many precious nieces and nephews.
Honorary pallbearers are Judy’s grandsons, Jacob Haskell and Rheese Boone, grandson-in-law Luke Risser, and nephews Lange Pohler, Max Pohler, Luke Ramsay, Logan Ramsay, Crosby Pohler, and Skylar Maxwell.
The family wishes to thank Megan Cisneros – Judy’s Hospice nurse, the staff of Crown Hospice in Victoria, and Morada Memory Care in Victoria, Tx and the loving caregivers from Helping Hearts in Hallettsville for their compassionate care and end-of-life support.
In lieu of flowers, memorials in Judy’s name can be made to the Golden Crescent Area Agency on Aging in support of their efforts to help senior citizens achieve and maintain quality of life, safety, security, self-determination and dignity.
Memorial Service
Saturday
September 12, 2026
2:30 PM
First United Methodist Church (Yoakum)
1026 E. Gonzales St
Yoakum, TX 77995
Gobble Gobble! We can’t wait to see all you fine folks there. Let’s celebrate community, music, and the spirit of Cuero. Bring your friends, your family, and your best turkey dance moves!
