Julie Whitehead

Julie Lynne Johnson Whitehead passed away on September 5, 2015, in Round Rock, Texas, after a lengthy struggle with cancer. She was a person of honor, integrity, and strong moral character. She had a sly and dry wit, and she inherited her father's ability to master a sweet deal. Being a true Southern lady, she could charm or crush with her voice and a simple look. She could be sweeter than honey or harder than steel, as the situation required. She didn't look for a fight, but, by God, she wouldn't run from one either. Julie was born in West Point, Mississippi, to Roger Johnson and Peggy Edwards Johnson. She grew up in Tupelo, Mississippi, where she participated in the First Baptist Church choir and was a member of the church's softball and basketball teams. From an early age, she loved dogs and cats, reading, roller-skating, and riding bikes. During high school, Julie worked part-time at J.C. Penny and Action Industries. After graduating from Tupelo High School in 1980, she began full-time employment in the Accounting Department at Action Industries. At Julie's next employer, Methodist Senior Services, her duties included fundraising and processing HUD assistance applications. Julie found this work particularly rewarding and enjoyable. Next, she served as the financial secretary for First Presbyterian Church of Tupelo, until her family moved to Texas. In Round Rock, Texas, Julie's duties at Palm Valley Lutheran Church included accounting, website management, and cemetery record keeping. While living in Texas, Julie enjoyed visiting museums, hiking and biking trails, geocaching, and attending festivals with her family and friends. Survivors include her husband and constant caregiver, Howard Whitehead of Round Rock, Texas; her daughters, Sarah Kate Johnson Gallant (Adam) of Austin, Texas, and Callie Johnson Spivey (Kyle) of Tupelo, Mississippi; her father, Roger Johnson of Tupelo; her sisters, Gale Johnson Smith and Heather Johnson Camp (Billy) of Lexington, Kentucky; her grandchildren, Britt and Emmy Spivey of Tupelo; her nieces, Molly Smith and Isabeau Camp of Lexington; her nephew, Charlie Camp of Lexington; her aunts, Frances White of Saltillo, Mississippi, Dorothy Johnson of West Point, Mississippi, and Hazel Pearson of Raleigh, North Carolina; her uncle, Don Johnson (Ora Mae) of Columbus, Mississippi; her stepfamily, including Jessica Whitehead of Tupelo, Rebecca Whitehead of Fort Smith, Arkansas, and Wyatt Key of Tupelo; numerous cousins and extended family. Julie was preceded in death by her mother, Peggy Edwards Johnson. Julie's family wishes to express appreciation for the many cards, calls, and gifts received during their long struggle with cancer. Her family thanks all of the doctors, nurses, technicians, administrators, and related staff for their work on Julie's and the family's behalf. The family extends a special thanks to Dr. Darren Kocs and the staff at Texas Oncology - Round Rock for their never-ending dedication, support, and friendship. Graveside services only will be held at Tupelo Memorial Park Cemetery in Tupelo, Mississippi, on Saturday, September 19, 2015, at 11 a.m. A gathering celebrating Julie's life will also be held in Round Rock, Texas, at a date and time to be determined. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to Methodist Senior Services (109 South Broadway, Tupelo, Mississippi 38804; https://www.mss.org ) or Palm Valley Lutheran Church (2500 East Palm Valley Boulevard, Round Rock, Texas 78665; [email protected]).