Judith Lambert Obituary

Judith Ann Lambert passed away early Tuesday, October 3, 2030. She was born in Austin, Texas January 1, 1933, to Agnes P. (Robertson) Douthitt and Frank Thomas Douthitt. They moved to Bloomington, IN soon after where six years later they were joined by her sister Mary Agnes Douthitt Stackhouse. Judy graduated from Bloomington High School on May 24, 1951. She was active in 4-H going to the State Fair several times with her projects. She was a member of Girls State in her sophomore, junior, and senior years. Her lifelong love of sports born out of watching her father play baseball, found a new outlet in the student Cheer Squad of which she was leader her senior year. Judy went on to attended Indiana University at Bloomington where she continued to follow sports faithfully and lead the Red and White card section her senior year. Judy's real passion was her work with the YWCA at IU. She was a freshman camp counselor, The Christian Faith and Heritage Coordinator in 1953. In 1954 she was elected President of the YWCA and continued in this position through 1955. Judy was also very active in the Intercollegiate Association of Women Students - IAWS. She served on the council and was co-chair of the board of standards. In 1951 Judy pledged to the AOII sorority. She remained an active member in the sorority into her 70's. Judy participated on the Little 500 committee for 3 years and was chair in 1955. While attending Indiana University, she met and married James Richard Lambert on July 1, 1955 at Fairview Methodist Church in Bloomington. They lived a long and wonderful life together for over 61 years. Judy graduated from Indiana University in the Spring of 1955 with a BS in Social Services. In 1967, Judy started her career as a kindergarten teacher at Isonogel Center for Easter Seals. This job launched her on a path that would lead her to a lifelong career focused on the education and wellbeing of individuals with disabilities. Through her work at United Cerebral Palsy of Delaware and later as the Director of Children Services Judy proved to be a pioneer in the field of education of individuals and particularly, infants and children with disabilities. She sat on the Governor board for early education and helped create The First Steps program and implement regulations for early education degrees. Her Christian faith and commitment to community were foundations of Judy's life. She became a member of High Street United Methodist Church with Jim in 1958. Judy was a member of Altrusa, sat on the Action Inc. Board and served as President in the mid 90's. She was chairman of the early childhood education action team for Teamworks Inc. She volunteered for the Special Olympics of Delaware County and Planned Parenthood. Judy and her husband Jim shared a passion for nature, gardening and birdwatching watching which led them to establish and received recognition for their Muncie property with a National Wildlife Backyard Habitat Award from the National Wildlife Federation in the 70's. They would later move to a property north of Selma Indiana where they would reclaim 5 acres of farmland as a tall grass prairie, wetlands and nature pond. Once again, they would receive recognition from the NWF for a Backyard Habitat. They spent thirty-three wonderful years on their nature preserve. Judy loved to travel and shared this passion with our family, taking us to over 28 of the 50 states. She instilled in all three of her children a deep love of the earth, nature, and education. Judy loved being a mother, grandmother and great grandmother. She created traditions to share throughout the generations that leave lasting loving memories for us all. Judy's family members include daughter, Shonet Martin (husband Doug); son, Thom Lambert (wife Sue); daughter, MaryBeth Lambert; granddaughter, Jesse Daniel (husband Chris); daughter, Caitlyn and son Carter; grandson, James Martin; granddaughter Emily Scott; daughter, Demaris and son Asher. A celebration of life will be held at a later date. Memorial may be sent to: Muncie & Delaware County BY5 Early Childhood Initiative at muncieby5. org or to 108 S Walnut St. , Ste 306, Muncie, IN 47305 or Red-tail Land Conservancy at fortheland. org or 125 E. Charles St, Muncie, IN 47305 or High Street United Methodist Church, 219 S. High St. , Muncie, IN 47305. The Meeks Mortuary and Crematory, Washington Street Chapel, is in charge of all arrangements.