Judith Gausnell

Judith Holdridge Gausnell, 71, of Kerrville died of an accidental fall in her home on January 12, 2016. Mrs. Gausnell was born in Selma, Alabama, daughter of Pauline Rodman Holdridge and Donald Shethar Holdridge, who preceded her in death. She was the widow of Carl Seth Gausnell of Dallas. She is survived by her brother, Mr. Randall Rodman Holdridge of Tucson, Arizona, and by brother and sister-in-law, Dr. D.E. Holdridge and Rebecca H. Holdridge of San Angelo, Texas. Also by many dear long time friends in Kerrville, including Mr. Jim Davis and Susan and Joe Heffington.\r\n \r\nMrs. Gausnell graduated from San Angelo Central High School, where she was student body president and involved in numerous campus activities. She was a finalist representing Tom Green County in the Miss Wool of Texas Contest. She was also an honors graduate of Stephens College in Columbia, Missouri, where she graduated with a double major in Fashion Design and English Literature. Her dissertation, including her full-color illustrations, analyzed the sociological and class significance of women's dress as described in the novels of Jane Austen. She did post-graduate study at the Parson's School of Design in New York City. Like her mother, she was a member of Chi Omega Sorority.\r\n \r\nHer distinguished professional career included serving as top designer for Howard Wolf Fashion, manufacturer of ladies sportswear and dresses. Later in the hospitality sales industry, she led the sales divisions of the Harvey Hotel Corporation, The Lowe's Anatole Hotel in Dallas, and MoRanch Resort in the Texas Hill Country. She was sought after nationally as an inspirational speaker and trainer of hospitality sales professionals; her clients included several international hotel brands, for which she also wrote the sales training manuals. At the time of her death, she was at work on a group biography of celebrated women who made historical impact to shape larger social and political trends by their grasp of creative innovation in image, design, and style.\r\n \r\nMrs. Gausnell was a certified Master Naturalist, involved in the Riverside Nature Center of Kerrville. In addition, she was recently installed as a deacon for the First Presbyterian Church. Judy had highly developed avocational interests in the cultivation of orchid species and in nature photography, which included study with David Muench.\r\n \r\nWe will miss the bright intellect, creativity, pursuer of excellence, eternally young spirit and loving heart of our friend, Judy. She lit up the room when she entered!\r\n \r\nService will be held at First Presbyterian Church, 800 Jefferson Street, conducted by Rob Lohmeyer, Thursday, January 21, 2016 at 11:00 a.m. In lieu of flowers, Judy's family asks that memorial contributions be made to the First Presbyterian Church and Riverside Nature Center. A memorial service will also be held in San Angelo at a later date.\r\n \r\n