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.
