Judy Ann Travis, 73, of Norman, Oklahoma, passed away on December 28, 2021, in Norman.
Judy was born in Midwest City to Eugene Lahl Mellinger and Betty Holmes Mellinger on May 31, 1948. She went to Midwest City High School and graduated in 1966. Judy went on to earn a bachelor’s degree in Drama from the Fine Arts College at the University of Oklahoma.
After college, she utilized her drama background with the Norman Community Theater in various capacities, including acting, directing, set building, lighting, and whatever else needed to be done. She also volunteered at a local Montessori school, where she taught acting to children. Judy was a volunteer at many organizations while raising her children, as she was active in the PTA, Girl Scouts, and many other organizations.
Judy was a member of The OU Theater Guild’s Board of Directors. The Theater Guild provides scholarships for OU drama and musical theater students. She held multiple officer positions during her tenure, including Vice President from 2016-2018 and President from 2018-2021.
She was also a long time member of the Assistance League of Norman. The Assistance League is a non-profit organization which has numerous charitable projects. Her favorite was Operation School Bell, which helped provide clothing to area school children in need. She held various offices in the local chapter and was the President Elect for the upcoming year. She was also involved with the Assistance League on a national level.
Judy was also very devoted to her dogs, from her first, Fairfax to her current, Rascal…and many in between.
On August 8, 1970, she married Douglas E. Travis, whom she met while they were both students at the University of Oklahoma. Surviving, in addition to Douglas, are her son, Adam Travis of Oklahoma City, her daughter Rachel Gilbert (Adam) of Pittsburgh, PA, and grandchildren Andrew Travis, Haley Travis, Lyla Gilbert, Avery Gilbert, and Jack Gilbert. She was preceded in death by her parents Eugene and Betty Mellinger, and her brother Paul Mellinger.
Memorial donations may be made to the Assistance League of Norman, Operation School Bell at 809 Wall St, Norman, OK 73069.