Julia Farris

Julia Farris, of Utopia, was born on December 16, 1937, in Boerne, Texas.  She was welcomed by her parents, Ernest Richey Kelley and Annie Ruth (Adair) Kelley and one older brother, Edward Ernest Kelley.  She began first grade in Utopia before she was five years old because her brother was beginning school and she refused to be left behind!  She and her brother graduated from Sabinal High School in 1954 when she was 16 years old.  She attended Southwest Texas Junior College in Uvalde, then Texas State University in San Marcos where she earned a Bachelor’s degree.  Eventually she obtained a Master’s degree in Education.  While in school in San Marcos, she married Joe Weldon Farris, a native of Carrizo Springs, Texas, also an Education major.  Over the course of their teaching careers, they taught in Crystal City, Carrizo Springs, Perryton, Port Lavaca, Uvalde, Medina Valley and San Antonio.  Julia taught junior high and high school English, speech/communication and was a reading specialist for dyslexic students.

Julia was a vibrant, friendly extrovert who attracted many great friends during her lifetime, especially among her teaching co-workers.  She loved to travel, particularly to California, New Mexico, Oregon and West Texas.  She enjoyed one trip to London, Prague and Salzburg, the highlight of her travelling career.  She loved to read and collected hundreds of books during her lifetime.  She greatly enjoyed being a loving grandmother and attended many children’s recitals and school events in that role.  She will be greatly missed by her family and friends since she occupied an irreplaceable spot in many people’s lives.

Julia died in San Antonio on January 9, 2021, at the age of 83.  She was predeceased by her parents and her husband.  She is survived by 3 daughters and their husbands, Kelley (Paul) Bommer of Wimberley, Cynthia (Kelly) Haight of Canyon Lake and Layne (Phil) Parker of Austin.  Other survivors include her 6 grandchildren, Julia Marcelline (Travis) Ladd, Cynthia Maraleigh (Mike) McCleve, Kelly Marshall Farris Haight, Emily Mariah Haight, Chloe Elizabeth Parker and Julia Layne Parker.  She is also survived by her brother Ed and his wife, Sharon, of Acworth, Georgia; one great-grandchild, Jonah Farris Ladd; sister-in-law, Kathleen Farris, formerly of Carrizo Springs; 4 step-grandsons, several nieces, one nephew and 2 very special friends, Susan Sinclair and Nita Whitley.  All will miss her quick laughter, her comfortable companionship, her helping hand and her enthusiasm for Life.

Because of COVID concerns, a private memorial service has been held.  Julia was buried in Waresville Cemetery, Utopia, next to her husband.  The family wishes to express their grateful appreciation to Julia’s many local friends who donated food items for the funeral – Thank you!  Memorial contributions may be made to the charity of your choice, especially one promoting animal rescue or welfare.