Judy Ann Panoska

Judy Ann Panoska, 70 of Palm Valley, Texas entered into heaven on Thursday, May 18, 2023, in her home. She was born on February 24, 1953 in Ohio, daughter of George and Adella (Glasmeyer) Panoska who precede her in death. Judy graduated from Parma Senior High in 1970 and graduated from Bowling Green University with a teaching certificate a few years later. In 1976, Judy obtained her Texas Teaching Certificate. Judy taught primary education at Austin Elementary in Harlingen, Texas and 5th grade at Elma E. Barrera Elementary in Santa Rosa, Tx. After twenty years of teaching, Judy came to know the Lord and decided to join the ministry. She attended the Nazarene Theological Seminary in Kansas City, Missouri and finished a four-year degree in three years. She graduated and was an ordained minister in May 1998. Judy spent the next 25 years as an associate pastor in Weslaco and then as a full-time pastor for the First Church of the Nazarene in San Benito, Tx. For several years, starting in 2017, Judy served as a Ministerial Representative for Discipleship Ministries. She also taught classes for others who wanted to earn credit toward a ministerial certificate or degree while pastoring at San Benito First Church of the Nazarene. After 12 years as pastor of the San Benito church, Judy officially retired from the ministry in 2018. However, after a 2 and a half year break, she returned to preaching as an interim pastor in San Benito. Judy had a joyful personality, and her laughter was as bold as her love for others. She often called herself a Wealth of Useless Information as she would offer details on any random subject. She also loved playing all sorts of games but especially Cribbage with her friends after (and sometimes during) Sunday lunch. Judy was an avid bowler and enjoyed being on many leagues over the years. She enjoyed historical PBS shows, current popular TV and books and playing Trivia Crack. She loved her three indoor cats and Chick-fil-A. She could be found driving all over Harlingen in her army green Charger. Most of all, Judy was dedicated to serving others and loving the Lord with all her heart. Her church family knew that they could count on her for prayer, encouragement and a late night text or call. She truly had a heart of gold. Judy’s sermons were always encouraging and insightful. She often used stories as illustrations to emphasize the point or to tug at the congregation’s heart strings. For every new child that joined a family, Judy would knit a baby blanket. She would pray for that child and his or her life while she knitted each square making the blanket that much more special. She is survived by her brother James Panoska and his wife Pamela; nieces, Mary Panoska-Peric (Ivan Peric) and Christina O’Keeffe (Ryan O’Keeffe) and nephew, Matthew Panoska (Ryena Panoska). A memorial service will be held at Creasey’s Bowling Alley at 644 N. Ed Carey Dr, Harlingen, TX 78550 on Saturday, May 27, 2023 at 12:30 p.m.

Judy Ann Panoska

February 24, 1953 - May 18, 2023

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