
Julie Yvonne (Branch) Staton was born January 8, 1979 in Fort Worth, TX to Thomas F. & Susan Kay (Watts) Branch and passed from this life on June 12, 2016 at the age of 37.
She grew up in Tulsa, OK and graduated from Will Rogers High School 3rd in the class of 1997. As proud as Julie was of her academic standing and her scholarship to the University of Tulsa, her favorite accomplishment was meeting Mike Staton. On June 7, 1997 she married Mike and began a whole new adventure. She put her education on hold to be a mother. The first child, Cassidy Elizabeth, arrived and two years later the family was complete when Bradley Aaron was born.
Julie had a remarkable gift of working with children. She could explain complex ideas to a 4 year old and confound the deepest minds of adults with her mastery of the technical aspects of Human Development and Family Services; her chosen field of study for her doctor of philosophy. Julie’s best and greatest accomplishment was her family. Her greatest love outside her family was working with children. She was at her best when teaching children about Jesus.
Julie was preceded in death by her father-in-law, Paul Staton; her grandparents, Don & Elaine Branch, Bob & Gladys McIntyre, Corbett Watts, Cleo & Wilma London and Robert & Lucy Staton. She is survived by her husband, Mike Staton; her daughter, Cassidy Staton; her son, Brad Staton; her parents, Tom & Sue Branch; her mother-in-law, Kathy Staton; her grandmother, Dorothy Watts; her sister, Dawn Marie Branch; her brother, Tony Branch; her niece, Emily Branch; her nephew, Mason Branch; and lots of extended family.
Julie will lie in state from 10:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Wednesday at the Ninde Brookside Funeral Home. Her funeral will be held 2:00 p.m. Thursday at the Calvary Baptist Church and she will be laid to rest following at Floral Haven Memorial Gardens in Broken Arrow, OK.
Dear Mike Staton and Family, With deepest sympathy as you remember your brilliant and loving Julie. I had the pleasure of being her instructor. She was a gift to me as an instructor and person. May your memories bring you great comfort. Sincerely, Tammy L. Henderson, PhD
Dr. Tammy Henderson
Sue, I am so sorry about the loss of your daughter Julie. I send my deepest sympathy to you and your family and to Brad who was a student of mine at Carver. May God bless, give you strength, and keep you all in His loving care at this time. My Deepest Sympathy, Mrs. Dollie Bowler Carver Middle School
Dollie Bowler
To the family of Julie: What a loss! I am sorry to just be hearing about her death today. I would have attended her funeral and expressed my sympathy in person. I taught Julie at Will Rogers, but I always felt like a family member. She was so loving, so fun, so responsible! I will always remember her smile and the way she could brighten up the dullest lesson. Her mind was as quick as her smile. Please accept my condolences. I wish you healing. Peggy Wolfe
Peggy Wolfe
I had the privilege of teaching Julie in several classes as she was pursuing her doctorate. She was always thoughtful and considerate in her participation and made the classes better for me and all the students. She will be missed.
Isaac Washburn
Julie was in a doctoral seminar I taught this past spring and made such valuable contributions to our class discussions. She had the wonderful combination of "heart and mind" that makes an excellent human sciences student and professional. Her talent with and passion for children was so clear. Julie will be greatly missed by her fellow students and the HDFS faculty. sincerely, Amanda Harrist
Dr. Amanda Harrist
I worked with Julie on several projects while I was working on my doctorate degree at OSU. I also had the privilege to present several times with her and we traveled together to present at a conference in Austin. I loved every minute I got to spend with her. She was intelligent, witty, caring, and beautiful inside and out. I respect her so much as a person and as a professional. Please know Julie touched so many lives while she was here including mine. She always made me laugh, knew what to say, and she went above and beyond for me numerous times--she didn't have to but she did. She was a blessing to the children and families with whom she worked and to everyone who she interacted with. I am truly blessed to call Julie my friend and even though this is a time of grief I consider myself lucky to be sad over her passing as I am so glad she and I shared many laughs and good times together. I hope you find peace knowing how many lives Julie influenced and knowing she did everything for the glory of God and for the love of her family and friends.
Rachel Kaufman
Julie was a special person that made many of my days in high school more fun. It just wouldn't have been the same without her. Today as she waits for people to come to say goodbye I have chosen to instead remember her in my mind as she was, but look forward to attending the celebration of her life tomorrow. To her parents thank you for raising such a wonderful soul. ~LaFonda
LaFonda Ehlers
As the head of department in which Julie was a doctoral student and a member of research team on which she worked, I want to offer her family both my deepest sympathies and my highest praise for Julie as a person and as a student. Julie's intelligence was only surpassed by her capacity to care for and serve children and families. The world has lost one of its finest human beings, but her contributions to our lives will live on. May her memory be a blessing.
Jennifer Hays-Grudo
Julie was a huge part of my kids life growing up at WABC-Learning Center. She was the first one to welcome us into the door most days, her smile and her love for kids was amazing! She made my days being away from my kids so much easier, knowing she was there with them! I know she loved her family so much and will be missed! But she has touched the lives of so many children, and therefore she has ultimately paid it forward! Thoughts and prayers! Chris, Jill, Brooklyn, Jamison, and Raegan Nerio
The Nerio's
I am thinking of all the family and pray that our God of Peace will strengthen and comfort each of you during this time of release of your precious Julie to our Lord Jesus Christ. One day soon, we will all be reunited with our Savior.
Janna Adamo
Sue, I am so so sorry for loss of your daughter. I can not fathom how hard this must be for you and your family. You are in my thoughts and prayers. May the angels guide her into paradise, and hold you close.
Jeanne Hart
Julie was one of the strongest women I have ever met. She was a giver and had such grace and love for people. She loved and continues to love her family. It was an honor and a blessing to go on home visits with Julie. Her life will influence mine forever. She was a true advocate. The void left behind can only be filled with the Agape love of Someone bigger than we are. I pray and believe that His love will fill the void for her family. One day at a time. She is loved so very much and she left her mark of love on each one of us. What better legacy is there? Her pure heart touches us and will continue to touch us.
Joan Brown
With Sincere Sympathy, Chris and I offer our condolences and prayers for Mike, Cassidy, Brad and the whole family. May God give you peace and strength to endure the pain of losing such a beautiful wife, mother, child, sister, aunt, cousin, and friend to many! Know that she is in the Loving arms of our Lord and has eternal happiness as she walks the Golden Roads of Heaven waiting to see you all again. Rest in Peace Julie! You will be missed, but never forgotten.
Chris and Sue Nicely