Obituaries

Judy Ann Lyles Robinson, 78, of Sherman, Texas, passed away peacefully surrounded by the love of her family on June 24, 2026, after a courageous battle with Alzheimer’s disease.

Visitation will be held Friday, July 10, from 6:00 to 8:00 p.m. at Dannel Funeral Home in Sherman. A celebration of Judy’s life will be held Saturday, July 11, at 11:00 a.m. at First United Methodist Church in Sherman.

Judy was born on January 28, 1948, in Wichita Falls, Texas. She was the daughter of Betty (Coats) and Lewis Lyles. Lewis worked as a contractor, and his career took the family to live in various towns across Texas. She graduated from Ballinger High School and attended Texas Tech and McMurry University. In 1968, she married John Robinson, then a student at The University of Texas. During the early years of their marriage, they lived in Illinois, New York, and Dallas before making Sherman their home in 1978. Together they built a life centered on faith, family, and community while raising their four daughters.

Judy was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, and homemaker. Throughout the years, she served as PTA president, a longtime room mother, Girl Scout leader, Camp Fire leader, Hospice volunteer, and faithful member of First United Methodist Church. She loved learning about Native American culture and often visited the annual Ceremonial in Gallup, New Mexico. She enjoyed recreational volleyball and playing Bridge, and found great joy in ceramics, stained glass, sewing, and quilting. Judy used her sewing skills in the service of others in need, making items such stockings for the Grayson County women’s shelter, ragdolls for Alzheimer’s patients, and tote bags for youth in foster care. Her handmade and even some award-winning quilts became treasured family heirlooms, each reflecting the care and love she poured into her family. Judy took great pride in teaching her daughters good manners and proper etiquette. Family dinners often came with high expectations (and sometimes unofficial grading) a tradition her daughters remember with laughter and love. Through her generosity, creativity, and quiet acts of service, Judy brought warmth, light, and kindness to everyone fortunate enough to know her.

Judy is survived by her devoted husband of 57 years, John Robinson; her four daughters, Sonya Robinson (Jessica) of Georgetown, Texas; Susanne Brackeen (Monty) of Gunter, Texas; Sarah Gonzalez (Leo) of Austin, Texas; and Stephanie Granberry (Brandon) of Heath, Texas. She was the proud “Gigi” of eight grandchildren: Adelie and Reid Brackeen; Camilo and Julian Gonzalez- Robinson; and Payton, Payne, Crawford, and Callan Granberry. She is also survived by her brother, Mike Lyles of Benjamin, Texas, as well as many nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her son, Thomas Elton, her parents, Betty and Lewis Lyles, and her grandmother and grandfather, Lucy and Carl Coats.

As Judy’s Alzheimer’s disease progressed, she became a resident of Celebration Memory Care, where she spent the remainder of her life. Her family is deeply grateful to the compassionate staff and caregivers whose kindness, patience, and dedicated care brought comfort to Judy and her loved ones throughout her journey.

Judy will be remembered for her servant’s heart, unwavering faith, creative spirit, and deep devotion to her family. Her legacy lives on through the family she loved, the traditions she established, and the many lives she touched.

Honorary pallbearers are her eight grandchildren.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests memorial donations be made to the Alzheimer’s Association or to the John and Judy Robinson Scholarship Endowment at Grayson College.