Julie Channing Branson, Memorial
Born in Dixon, Ill., she graduated from Burlington Central High School in Illinois in 1985. After graduation she attended Oklahoma Christian University where she completed a degree in education.
She was a highly trained and devoted teacher, spending 24 years in an elementary school teaching career. A dozen of those years were spent at Oakdale Elementary and Middle School near Edmond, where she most recently taught 3rd grade. An ever-present smile, an infectious laugh and an obvious love for her students made her a favorite.
She had a large network of extremely close friends and colleagues at Oakdale as well as dear friends among her brothers and sisters in the Lord. Because so many students and their parents, including faculty and staff, loved and appreciated her, school administrators closed the 634-student-body school, enabling hundreds to attend her Memorial Road memorial services.
Julie is survived by her husband, Jay; her three daughters, Hannah Rae McMillon, l8, Haley Cole McMillon, 15, and Tommi Shea Branson, 9. Also surviving are her parents, Dean and Leila Channing of Lindenwood, Ill.; sisters Cindy (Dave) Carlson of Cherry Valley, Ill., Jill (Jeffrey) Werrbach of Hampshire, Ill., and Claire (Michael) Hathaway of Edmond, Okla.; and twin brother, Roger (Diana) Channing of Racine, Wis.
A loving wife and mother, she considered her three daughters her greatest accomplishment and source of pride. In her brief life, she instilled her faith, strength and humor within the girls. Speaking at the memorial celebration, Hannah said, “My mother was my hero. I hope to be half as amazing as you someday. You are my guardian angel.”
Julie made a positive difference in this world. If anyone needed encouragement or special attention, she was always there to say a reassuring word. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to a college fund for her girls HERE.
