In Memory

Judy Kahla

In loving memory of our dear teacher



 
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11/17/17 08:06 AM #1    

Carrol Johnson

 
 
 
 
 
 
Julia Williams (Judy) Kahla Obituary
 
Julia (Judy) Williams Kahla
1937-2017
On November 14, 2017, Judy Williams Kahla went home to be with her God and the treasured loved ones that had preceded her in death and who have prepared a reunion that has been in the making for seventy-nine years. Waiting to welcome her are her dance partner Harold Kahla, her son, Grady Wayne Kahla and her parents who taught her how to navigate through adversity without whining, Grady and Dell Williams. Judy was born at home on December 8, 1936 in Angelina County, Texas. She is survived by her son, Byron Wade Kahla, two grandchildren, Julia Nicole Kahla and Paden Wade Kahla, one sister, Gradene (Gradi) Hamman, and a host of nieces and nephews including a most entrusted confidant, Julie Kahla. She also leaves behind a very special family of educators and a community of students who share her passion for teaching and life-long learning.
Judy's passions for learning began when (during her recovery from polio), with no whining, she was launched into a world of books that forever crystallized her love of learning. That learning and instructional leadership lead to high school classrooms in Lamar Consolidated HS, Hardin-Jefferson HS, Waltrip HS and Cypress Fairbanks ISD. There, in Staff Development, she designed and facilitated instructional programs that would impact each and every classroom within the district. In October, 2005, Julia Williams Kahla Middle School was named for her and dedicated to recognized and honor the role she played in the academic growth of the district. Reminding us of the places passion takes us.
Coupled with her husband's love of "projects", she learned to waltz, tell the difference between breeds of cattle, feed herds of cattle with a "cube dude" (without ever getting out of the pick-up truck), cultivate a garden, nurture and hatch ducklings, and fish. Many of his passions became hers. With his passing two years ago, another of her Dad's and Harold's projects tapped into her passion for learning. She stepped from the classroom into the boardroom of United Galvanizing as its CEO, Judy was now challenged to learn the art of hot dip galvanizing. Without whining, she accepted the challenge.
With your passing, family, an incredible group of friends and a community of students spread across the country say "thank you for sharing your passions and mantra of no whining with us. Now find Harold and ask him to Dance Across Texas with you!" 
Visitation will be Saturday, November 18th from 6:00-8:00, Service on Sunday, November 19th at 2:00 At Klein Funeral Home in Tomball.
 
 
Published in Houston Chronicle on Nov. 17, 2017

11/17/17 08:07 AM #2    

Carrol Johnson

November 16, 2017
Byron, as you know Judy was a consummate, creative and dedicated Educator. I personally learned much from her as a teacher! Via many conversations, she shared her love of you and your children! I respected, admired and patterned many of my approaches in teaching after her example! I treasured our friendship and am so glad I was afforded an opportunity to visit with her on a return visit to Texas this last year! What an Iconic figure and now her ultimate reward of being in the presence of God! I am certain she is happily "teaching" in Heaven!
 
 

11/17/17 08:09 AM #3    

Carrol Johnson

November 16, 2017
Judy was such an inspiration and positive leader. Her work in CFISD was on the leading edge. From the professional development she presented to creating opportunities for leaders to grow through earning advanced degrees, Judy pushed ahead. She was honest and real with a kindness and love felt by so many!
 
November 16, 2017
Judy was an icon of professionalism for educators, especially for teachers and especially for women in CFISD. She was truly respected and admired. My prayers are offered for her family and friends.

11/17/17 08:20 AM #4    

Carrol Johnson

November 15, 2017
She was my English teacher in 1976-77. I still have my journal from her class. I remember her showing us the movie "Lonely are the Brave" with Kirk Douglas and Carroll O'Connor so we could write about how we felt about the ending. She called me a romanticist. She was a great teacher loved by many students. Thanks for sharing her with us.
 
November 15, 2017
Judy will truly be missed, she was a great teacher and friend to all who knew her.
 
November 15, 2017
Byron and family,
Please accept my prayers and sincere sympathy during this time of loss. Judy was a friend and professional peer whose work in CFISD was noteworthy. I am glad to have known and worked with her. May she now rest in peace and may you find strength in these days of life's passage. God bless you all.

11/17/17 11:54 AM #5    

Tom Britton

Judy was my speech teacher at Waltrip High School. What I learned in her class served me well as I became a full-time professional speaker and author. It was so good to always see her and Harold at our Class of 65 Reunions. She was extra special!


11/17/17 12:26 PM #6    

Lindy Clarke (Hall)

Speech class at Waltrip....
one of my favorite teachers and favorite classes.
Who knew how much that stuff would serve me so well thru-out my life.
(I no longer stand like a flamingo when speaking to a group!)
Ms. Kahla was extra extra special.... she made each class feel like
a family. Her warmth and sweetness was always present.
I loved that woman.

(Note to admins: her birthday is shown as '27, '36 and 37 in various places.)


11/18/17 09:57 AM #7    

Patricia Ann Sirvello (Younger)

I had Ms. Kahla for speech - more than one class. What a great teacher she was. Tough, demanding, and very smart. The 9 years I taught English, speech and drama, if I was half as effective as she was, I would be thankful. She inspired students to reach for the top and not be satisfied with mediocrity. Giving her time after school, she never turned a student away who wanted extra help. A life well lived. Thanks, Ms. Kahla, for all you gave us as your students.


11/19/17 10:20 AM #8    

Patricia Bissonnet (Bissonnet)

Judy Kahla was the first to recognize that the shy girl in the second row had something to offer.  She turned me into a debater, and taught me the discipline of research, the value of putting time into something if you had a goal, and how to stand up, look folks in the eye, and feel sure of myself.  The public speaking skills I learned from her have been the basis of every job I've ever had.  The self-esteem she gave me changed my life.  I have thought of this wonderful woman so many times over the years and mourn her passing, along with the many others whose story is similar to mine.  


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