Judith Lynn Anderson-Hernandez

Judith Lynn Anderson-Hernandez was born on August 11, 1952 in Los Angeles, California to her mother, Maria Elliot, and her father, Justin Anderson. As a daughter of immigrants, Judith was always proud to share her first-generation American heritage. Her pride was a reminder to people that we are all striving for something greater than what we had. Judith shared stories of her family with her family as she understood the importance of remembering your foundation as it illuminates your future. Judith is the oldest of three children; her siblings are Anthony Elliot-Anderson and Diane Riley. She helped and supported her siblings and family while growing up in a single parent home. Admired by her siblings, she paved the way for them to be successful.

Growing up, Judith was known as a tough and tenacious leader. She encouraged her friends to always do their best. As a teenager, she and her friends enjoyed walking to the movies, going to museums, and shopping in Downtown Los Angeles.  Judith’s ability to connect with others and develop strong friendships is undeniable. Even though everyday life separated her from some, her friendship and love always remained.   

After graduating from Manual Arts High School, Judith went on to attend University California Los Angeles (UCLA) where she received a Bachelor of Art Degree in History and English. Judith furthered her education at Cal State University Los Angeles (CSULA) where she received a Masters of Fine Arts in Education and an Administrative Credential. Judith was a dynamic, passionate, committed educator and administrator who changed the lives of students by not only encouraging academic rigor, but actively leading and participating in school and community events. After 35 years as an educator and administrator in the Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD), Judith retired in 2016. Her impact and contributions to the educational community will be felt for decades to come. 

Judith was truly an epicurean of life and lived each day to the fullest. She loved to travel and has visited Germany, Paris, Mexico, Italy, Alaska, and especially enjoyed relaxing in Hawaii. Judith balanced her passion for education by pursuing various hobbies, including jewelry making, sewing, knitting, crocheting, and banner making. Judith expressed her love creatively and enjoyed gifting photo albums, wedding brooms, gift baskets, holiday wreaths, and church banners. 

Judith had a very active social life and constantly made a positive impact on the local community through participation in various organizational memberships, including educational fraternity Phi Delta Kappa, St. John’s Episcopal Church Vestry, Holy Trinity Evangelical Lutheran church where she served on the Child Care Board and Church Council, Regional Protocol Direction for Jack and Jill of America, Inc., and the Council of Black Administrators. 

Judith had a special place in her heart for her sorority, Delta Sigma Theta, Sorority, Incorporated. Judith was initiated while attending UCLA, Pi Chapter in 1974.  She was an active collegiate member and forged a host of lifelong friendships with her Pi chapter sorors.  Upon graduation, Judith joined the Los Angeles Alumnae chapter where she served on a number of committees, ultimately becoming one of the primary advisors for her beloved Pi Chapter.  Judith was also a proud charter member of Inglewood Alumnae Chapter where she remained active during her last 27 years in Delta.  She served on a variety of committees, with her favorite being the Scholarship Committee.  Judith passionately served on this committee as it provided the youth of Inglewood with financial to pursue secondary education. Judith was most proud to have witnessed her daughter, Jacqui, be initiated in the sorority while an undergraduate student at Bennett College.  Judith attended many local events, regional conferences and national conventions; she most recently attended the 53rd National Convention in Las Vegas, Nevada with her daughter and Soror, Jacqui.

Judith shared a loving and close relationship with her only daughter, Jacqueline Hernandez. Judith loved to plan everything with Jacqui, ranging from going to see a new movie, art activities, and traveling the world. Judith was known to all as being a sweet, kind, and loving person. She was supportive and welcoming of all friends, with each becoming a new family member; Jacqui even calls close family friends God-mom/ God- Father, Auntie, Uncle and everything in between. 

Judith’s final years remained full of adventure, and love. She and her daughter, Jacqui, were the best of friends and truly inseparable. They traveled to Italy, took a cruise to Alaska, remained in service to Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, her church Holy Trinity, and she continued to spend time with dear friends and family. Judith was and will continue to be loved, appreciated, and well taken care for all of her life. 

Judith is survived by her only daughter; Jacqueline Hernandez, her brother Anthony Elliot- Anderson; sister, Diane Riley; nieces Jindji and Ashton, and nephews, Osab, Iyayi and Anthony Jr. In addition to a host of beloved friends.