Julia Pauline Kendall, 94, of Lucas, Texas, passed away peacefully on January 3, 2025. She was born on August 9, 1930, in Crawford, Texas, to John Andy Edwards and Charlie Standifer Jordan Edwards. Julia lived a full and vibrant life, marked by love for her family, dedication to her community, and a legacy of kindness and warmth.
A proud graduate of O'Donnell High School in 1947, Julia went on to earn her bachelor's degree in 1951 from Hardin-Simmons University in Abilene, Texas. She married the love of her life, Don Kendall, on January 27, 1951, in O'Donnell, Texas. Together, through almost 74 years of marriage, they built a life filled with love, cherished moments, and devotion.
Julia was deeply committed to her family, always striving to create a loving and nurturing home. An excellent cook, she had a talent for bringing people together over delicious meals. She was an active member of the Lucas Ladies and the Craft Club. For 52 years, she was a devoted member of First McKinney Baptist Church, where she served the Lord and her community with unwavering faith. Julia also enjoyed square dancing and china painting. These were pastimes that brought her much joy, but the closest thing to her heart was the Naomi Sunday School Class at First Mckinney, where she made many wonderful lifelong friends that she truly cherished.
Above all, Julia was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend. Her family and friends will remember her for her gentle spirit, strong faith, and boundless love. She will be fondly remembered and dearly missed.
Julia is survived by her beloved husband, Don Forrest Kendall of Lucas, Texas; daughters, Laura Lynn Powell (John) of Plano, Texas, and Vicki Iris Harrison (Richard) of Navarre, Florida; son, Dan Forrest Kendall (Freda) of Allen, Texas; grandchildren, Kendall Gilman (James), Allison Glapa (Ty), Elliott Powell (Mark), Drew Harrison (Laura), Greg Harrison (Patsy), Melanie Davis (Jonathan), and Melissa Wymer (Chris); 13 great-grandchildren; and a host of other loving family and dear friends, all of whom were blessed to have known her. She was preceded in death by her parents and her three sisters, Joyce Gibson, Edna Carroll, and Patsy Hackney.
A special thank you to her longtime caregivers, Debbi Rutledge and Annie Carey.
A private graveside service will be held for Julia.
Memorial donations in Julia’s memory may be directed to the Senior Adult Ministry of First McKinney Baptist Church.