Remembering Exceptional Educators in the School Community

News Summary

The Austin School Community mourns the loss of two remarkable educators, Judith Elaine Kern Harper and Mary Morris Hornsby. Both women left an indelible mark on students and families through their dedication to teaching and service. A celebration of their lives highlights their contributions and the lasting legacies they created within the educational community.

Remembering Exceptional Educators: Celebrating Lives in the Austin School Community

Austin, Texas – In the tight-knit community of education, we mournfully bid farewell to two remarkable women who shaped the lives of countless students and families. Judith Elaine Kern Harper and Mary Morris Hornsby, both pillars of our community, have left a lasting legacy through their unwavering dedication to teaching and service.

Shining Bright: The Life of Judith Elaine Kern Harper

Judith Elaine Kern Harper, known fondly as Judy, was born on November 18, 1936. Her journey came to an end on December 29, 2024, leaving behind a rich tapestry woven with love and learning. Judy is survived by her devoted husband of 66 years, Sam Y. Harper. Together, they raised three children: Scott, Shelly, and Sara, and enjoyed the company of six grandchildren and eleven great-grandchildren.

Although originally from Austin, Judy’s life took her to places as diverse as Nebraska, Venezuela, and Virginia before finally settling in Seguin, Texas. She excelled academically, graduating Magna Cum Laude from Texas Lutheran College with a Bachelor’s Degree in Chemistry and a minor in Math, complete with a Teaching Certificate. Her affinity for numbers was reflected in her professional roles, first working at Columbia-Southern Chemical in Corpus Christi and then transitioning to teaching Math in Sinton and Corpus Christi.

In 1987, Judy and her husband made the move to Austin, where she continued her passion for education in Austin public schools and at Austin Community College. Beyond the classroom, Judy’s life was marked by her steadfast commitment to her faith. As a devoted member of St. John’s Lutheran Church, she embodied the spirit of community and shared her love for family and others.

To honor Judy’s incredible life, a Celebration of Life service is set for February 1 at 1:00 p.m. at St. John’s Lutheran Church in Austin, TX. A reception will follow the service, bringing family and friends together to remember and celebrate her legacy.

The Harper family has expressed heartfelt gratitude for the compassionate care provided by the staff at The Auberge at Onion Creek and Traditions Hospice. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to the Alzheimer’s Association, ensuring that Judy’s legacy of giving continues.

A Life Remembered: Mary Morris Hornsby

On August 5, 2024, the community lost another luminary: Mary Morris Hornsby. Born on April 18, 1938 in the Bronx, New York, Mary eventually made her way back to her roots in Austin, Texas, where she was raised. Her journey through education began at Allan Junior High and continued at Austin High School, where she took on the role of a Red Jacket, showing leadership and a willingness to guide her peers.

As a proud graduate of the University of Texas, Mary was involved in the Kappa Alpha Theta sorority. Her career path led her to work as a social worker at the state hospital in Austin, but her heart truly found a home in teaching preschool at Good Shepherd Episcopal School, where she touched many young lives.

Mary’s life took a turn when she married her beloved Michael Daniel Hornsby in 1961. After losing her husband unexpectedly in 1965, she focused on raising her two sons, all while making contributions to the Austin community through her work in education and her passion for supporting Special Olympics athletes.

Mary is survived by her son Michael Jr., siblings, nieces, nephews, and a wide circle of friends, all of whom cherish her memory. Services honoring Mary will take place on August 9, 2024, at 11:00 a.m. at Weed-Corley-Fish in Austin, TX. Memorial gifts can be directed towards Special Olympics Texas, Hospice Austin, or a charity of choice, reinforcing the compassion she always embodied.

Both Judy and Mary’s lives remind us of the profound impact educators have on their students and communities. As we come together to celebrate their lives, their contributions to the education community will indeed live on forever.