11/26/24 – Flooding in Harris County could use more people like Judy Cox. I attended her memorial service this afternoon and my eyes misted up when hundreds of people sang, “Down By The Riverside.”

I dedicate this post to Judy’s memory because of her leadership style. She had no real involvement in flood mitigation. But flood mitigation in the Lake Houston Area could certainly use more people like her. And we can learn from her example.

A Transformative Leader

I knew Judy Karns Cox for more than 20 years. On one hand, she was quiet, modest, and self-effacing. On the other, she was a fearless, tireless, transformative leader who made a huge difference in the lives of thousands of Lake Houston Area residents, mostly women and children.

Judy was the retired executive director of Family Time. Family Time runs a crisis and counseling center for battered women. She gave 32 years of her life to the group and 110% of her energies to improving the lives of her clients.

She had an enduring commitment to supporting and uplifting those in need. Perhaps her quiet ways made her successful in her chosen mission. She kept the spotlight on those in need, not herself.

Judy was never pushy, but always pushing.

She took on a job that most would not and became a relentless advocate and educator for her cause.

Judy taught me that the scourge of family violence cuts across all segments of society – rich and poor. Rural and urban. Mainstream and minorities. Old and young. Male, female, LGBTQ+. No group is immune though some are definitely at higher risk.

Judy Cox also taught me that the key to addressing domestic violence lies in recognizing the underlying factors, providing education, reducing stigma, and increasing access to supportive resources and services for all affected individuals.

In that spirit, Family Time provides confidential crisis intervention, counseling, and emergency shelter to survivors of domestic violence, sexual assault, and human trafficking.

One Person at a Time

Judy didn’t change the world. But in her quiet way, she changed the lives of thousands of abused people over the years. One person at a time.

As someone who has advocated for flood mitigation since retiring, she was both a hero and a role model to me. I am grateful that I knew her.

The measure of a woman or man is not how much wealth they accumulate in a lifetime. It’s how much better they make other people’s lives and how much they improve their communities. Judy not only understood that, she lived by the principle.

We need more people like her who are willing to throw themselves into the breach and advocate for their respective causes.

Posted by Bob Rehak on 11/26/24

2646 Days since Hurricane Harvey