Julie Rae Branson

Julie Rae BransonBranson, Julie

1967–2016

Julie Rae Branson, age 48, passed away peacefully on January 30, 2016 at 3:24 am at Mercy Hospital in Oklahoma City. Julie was surrounded by her loving husband, daughters, and family as she joined the Lord.

Visitation will be held at Matthews Funeral Home in Edmond, OK on Monday, February 1st from 4-8pm, and on Tuesday, February 2nd from 4-8pm (with limited family in attendance). Matthews Funeral Home will be open from 8am-8pm on Tuesday, February 2nd for viewing. A memorial service will be held Wednesday, February 3rd at 10am at The Memorial Road Church of Christ. Graveside ceremony at Oakland Knowles Cemetery in Crescent will directly follow.

Julie was born on March 24, 1967 in Dixon, IL. She graduated from Burlington Central High School in Illinois in 1985. After graduation she attended Oklahoma Christian College to pursue her degree in education. Julie dedicated her 24 year teaching career to her students, and taught 3rd grade most recently at Oakdale Elementary and Middle School. She had a clear passion and love for all of the students she was blessed to teach throughout her career.

Julie is survived by her devoted husband, Jay Branson; as well as her three daughters, Hannah Rae McMillon, 18; Haley Cole McMillon, 15; and Tommi Shea Branson, 9. Julie is also survived by her parents Dean and Leila (Palmer) Channing of Lindenwood, IL. and sisters, Cindy (Dave) Carlson of Cherry Valley, IL; Jill (Jeffrey) Werrbach of Hampshire, IL; and Claire (Michael) Hathaway of Edmond, OK. She also has a twin brother, Roger (Diana) Channing of Racine, WI. Julie has numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, nieces, nephews, and great nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly. Julie had an extensive network of extremely close friends and colleagues at Oakdale, as well as her brothers and sisters in Christ at The Memorial Road Church of Christ.

Julie was a devoted wife, mother, and teacher. Her biggest accomplishment and pride and joy were her three daughters. In her short time on earth she instilled her faith, strength and humor within her girls. Julie was so very loved by many and she freely shared her love with her students, friends and family. If anyone needed encouragement, Julie was always there with her positive attitude. With an infectious smile, contagious laughter and beautiful soul, Julie made a difference in this world to all she knew and encountered.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a college fund for her girls. https://www.gofundme.com/jwmnyj7w

23 thoughts on “Julie Rae Branson”

  1. Jim and Trina McVicker

    Jay- Our prayers have been with since the day we heard of the loss of your beloved Julie. Not a road anyone wants to travel, although we both have. One day at a time my friend. Our hearts are breaking for you and the girls, prayers for strength and comfort. God be with you.

  2. Mark Lindsley

    Jay, My heart felt condolence for you and the girls is just immense over the news of Julie ! My thoughts and prayers will be that the Lord will bind up the wound this has left in your life and the lives of the girls and allow you all peace.

    Your Cuz, Mark Lindsley

  3. Steve & Shelby Lewis

    Jay:

    Steve and I are extremely sorry for your loss. Julie was so beautiful and so very kind. It is a comfort to know her light still shines through her three amazing daughters. Our family wishes you great peace and love.

    Steve & Shelby Lewis
    Guthrie, Oklahoma

  4. Farrell and Brenda Stanley

    Jay,
    We are very sorry for your loss. We didn’t know Julie, but she seemed to be an amazing woman, wife and mother. Please know we’re thinking of you and praying for you and the girls and your entire family. May God bless each of you.

  5. Jay,
    I am so very sorry to hear the news of Julies passing.
    We all have very fond memories of Julies gracious hospitality at your home when we were visiting Oklahoma.
    Sending you and your beautiful children prayers and strength from California.
    God Bless you and them.
    Joe Ravina

  6. Cathy Weinkauf

    Jay:

    Very saddened to hear of Julie’s sudden death. Please know that my prayers are with you and your family as you make this journey.

    May God’s love bring you peace and comfort.

    Cathy Weinkauf

  7. Gerald and Doneta Vrska

    Jay, please accept our condolences for the loss of your wife Julie. You and your girls are in our prayers!!

  8. Jay,
    I know there are no words to ease your pain. You, your daughters, and all of your family are in my thoughts and prayers. Much love to all of you.

  9. Lori and Jim bray

    John
    Jim and I are truly sorry for the loss of your family member. Please know you and amber are in our prayers as well as the husband and kids of Julie.

  10. Ellen and Jim Taylor

    Jay and girls,

    Our thoughts are with you. Julie was a very special person. We are sending love and hugs your way.

    Jim and Ellen Taylor

  11. Rick and Carol Copeland - Omaha, Nebraska

    Jay and Girls,

    Everyone is at a loss to say the right things in such an unexpected turn in your lives. When our lives are turned upside down we then realize what a gift from God that the human memory means to our lives. You have already begun that journey to the deeper parts of your minds to steel that connection to your broken hearts. We are thankful that Julie belonged to each of you.

  12. Dan & Shayne Fuxa

    Dan and I both are praying for your family to find comfort and strength in the days ahead. May Julie rest in peace. We are so very sorry for your loss .

  13. Barbara Pipla Mongold & Lloyd

    Jay and family,

    We’re so sorry for your loss. Prayers are being lifted up.

  14. Michelle Leach and family

    Jay and family,

    Our sincere condolences for your loss. Our thoughts are with you and your family.

  15. Don and Cathy Stoops

    Jay,

    We are so saddened and sorry for your loss. We didn’t get to know Julie but could tell she was wonderful from the way you spoke of her. You and your family are in our thoughts. Praying for peace and comfort for you.

  16. Dennis & Glenda Mittasch

    Jay,

    We are praying for you and your family during this time of loss. May Gods hands wrap you and your family within and give you strength and grace. Memories are never lost nor forgotten, remember the good times.

    Love and care,
    Dennis and Glenda Mittasch

  17. Jim and Lee Pettus

    So sorry to hear of your loss. Our thoughts are with you and the children and praying the Lord will give you strength at this time. Love and Prayers

  18. Carolyn Carter Emmett

    Jay….Hannah and Haley….

    You guys dont know me, but I knew your mother very well when you two were born. I remember when she returned to her home and met the man of her dreams..she would spend her life with (as told to me) Your wife and mother was indeed a special caring sole and has undoubtedly left her mark on this sonetime very unfair world… She will be missed..

    There are no words that can ease this pain. You all know all to well how great a person, mother, teacher and wife she was to all of you. I do know she will forever watch over her loved ones from above.

    Please accept our most heartfelt and sincere condolences….

  19. To Julie’s family,
    I’m so very sorry for your loss. I was honored to work with her at Oakdale for three years. It was wonderful to see her with her student and the love she showed them and her fellow employees.
    Sincere condolences. May God bless you all.

  20. Robin Boyle/OConnell

    Sorry to hear of Julie passing.may God brace her friends and family near and far.May her infectious love and light shine upon your faces.

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