Judith LaVonne Waite, formerly of Harrisburg
Judith ‘Judy’ LaVonne Waite, age 85, passed away on May 7, 2026, in Plano, Texas.
She was born in Flora to the late Rolla and Thelma Whiteside and grew up in Harrisburg, where she met the love of her life, Jay Waite.
Judy and Jay were married for more than 65 years. They traveled the world together and enjoyed many trips to Las Vegas and Wendover, Nev., where they were often joined by Judy’s sister and late brother. In the early years they moved many times and lived in multiple states, then settled in Carrollton, Texas, where they’ve lived for more than 40 years.
Judy was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother and friend. She enjoyed nothing more than spending time with her family and talking for hours on the phone with her distant friends and relatives. Judy loved the Lord and was a longtime member at Prestonwood Baptist Church.
She was an avid tennis player and member of Brookhaven Country Club for many years. Her favorite pastimes included shopping, going to WinStar Casino, playing bingo, doing puzzles, and playing cards and games. Judy had a playful spirit and a distinctive and infectious laugh. She could be full of surprises as evidenced when in her 50s, she started court reporting school and won second place in a poetry contest.
Judy is survived by her husband, Marion Jay Waite; daughters Kimberly (Waite) Camp and Jae Lynn (Waite) Rangel; grandsons Matt Waite (wife Myriam Guerrero) and Jeremy Camp; granddaughter Shelby Rangel; great-grandson Jorge Guerrero; and sister Elaine (Whiteside) Boren.
She was preceded in death by her granddaughter, Brittany Nicole Camp; parents Rolla and Thelma (Nicholson) Whiteside; and brother Trevor Gene Whiteside.
A celebration of Judy’s life will be held on Friday, May 29, 2026, at 1 p.m. in the Faith Chapel at Prestonwood Baptist Church, located at 6801 W Park Blvd, Plano, TX 75093. In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in Judy’s name to one of her favorite charities: St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital, Wounded Warrior Project or St. Joseph’s Indian School.