Julia Sirmon Waldrep passed away March 23, 2020 after 69 wonderful years. She was blessed to be surrounded by her family and friends throughout her entire life and was also surrounded by love during her final days. Julia battled breast cancer for more than 25 years and though she did not ever want to be defined by this she served as a hero and an inspiration to many.
Julia was born January 26, 1951 in Greenville, Ala. to Wiley Sirmon and Betty Wimbish Sirmon. Julia was the Big Sister to Lou (Richard) Miller, John (Lynette) Sirmon, Bess (Jeff) Taylor, and Lynn (Gary) Hogan. Her family moved to Madison County when she was a child and she lived here her whole life.
Julia graduated from Madison High School in 1969 and will always be remembered as the head majorette. She went to North Florida Junior College and earned an Associate of Arts then continued on to Florida State University where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Elementary Education. With this foundation, she began a lifelong career as an educator where she was a positive force in the lives of the children of Madison County. She touched so many young lives throughout her teaching career and, depending on the year, will be remembered either as Mrs. Anderson, Mrs. Braswell, or Mrs. Waldrep.
While she focused her energies on the education of children, she also was a life-long learner going on to earn a Master's in Exceptional Student Education from Nova Southeastern, along with countless other certifications. Julia also mentored many young teachers as they began their teaching careers and was always a helpful peer to her co-workers. Her family has been over-whelmed with all the beautiful memories that have been shared of Julia with stories of her integrity, compassion and grace.
Julia was the mother to Sunny (Sandy) Jack, Jessica Anderson and Jennifer (Tim) Cox; and her bonus daughters: Katie (Bart) Waldrep, Kelly (Tommy) Reeves and Tina (Scott) Zeigler. While she had many hobbies and interests, her greatest love was spending time with her grands. She was blessed to have many grandchildren who affectionately called her "Am-mama." Sydney, Emmeline, Clarissa, Olivia, Geoffrey, Kayla, Abbie, Kate, Julie, Harvey, Lucy, Wila and Liam all have memories of fun times, amazing costumes and delicious desserts that "Am-mama" created for them.
Julia was incredibly talented, and she served her family as seamstress, wedding planner, cake decorator, counselor, floral designer, to name a few. When she saw a new outfit, craft, dessert, or arrangement, Julia would wink and say, "I can make that." She also had the voice of an angel. She sang soprano in her family choir and led singing at Greenville United Methodist Church where she was a member for most of her life.
Julia is survived her mother, Betty Sirmon, her siblings, her children, many nieces and nephews and so many special friends. She also leaves behind a dear man who never wavered in his love for her, Red Braswell. She was predeceased by her father, Wiley Sirmon; and her husband, Harvey Waldrep.
Julia Waldrep was the ultimate big sister to all. She looked out for those that were coming up behind her and made sure to keep everyone in line. Those who knew her will remember her as a smart, strong and beautiful woman with a sharp wit and an equally sharp tongue. We all are blessed to have been touched by Julia and will cherish all the things she taught us over the years.
In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to Big Bend Hospice, Greenville United Methodist Church, or the Julia S. Waldrep Scholarship Foundation (through Capital City Bank, contact Ben Jones at Mossy Oak Properties for details.)