Julianne Boone Frost

Julianne Boone Frost, 78, was born to Julian and Virginia Boone on February 26th, 1942 in Paducah, Kentucky. She died peacefully on February 7th, 2021, surrounded by her 4 adult children. Julianne was a loving wife to Julien Charles Frost, who preceded her in death on June 5th, 2015. Julianne was the beloved mother of Elizabeth, Michael, David, and Emily, Mother-in-Law to Anjie Frost, and devoted Grandmother/ “HeeHee” of Grace, Kate, Molly, Olivia and Owen. Julianne grew up in Bardstown, Kentucky. After graduating from Bethlehem Academy in 1960, Julianne received her undergraduate degree in Education from Spalding University in Louisville, Kentucky. Upon graduation, Julianne intended to go immediately into the classroom to teach Elementary Education. God had other exciting plans for her. Julianne had a stellar academic record, an intuitive ability to teach “the whole child” and a respect for the unique way each child learns. These achievements led to an extraordinary and we believe, Divine opportunity professionally and personally. She was contacted by the Department Head of the University of Illinois’ School of Education who asked that she come to Champaign and complete her master’s degree in Elementary Education. Julianne, with some hesitation; but total faith in God’s plan, accepted.

As a graduate student and research assistant, Julianne loved the “hands on” teaching experience and research she did in the classroom. Under the guidance of her professor, Julianne’s formative research and curriculum development based on “the diverse ways children learn” would become the very content and curriculum used to develop Sesame Street. After two years of collaborative research with the University of Illinois’ school of Education, the newly formed Children's Television Workshop (CTW) received a combined grant of $8 million from the Carnegie Corporation, the Ford Foundation and the U.S. federal government to create and produce the beloved educational program, Sesame Street, that has touched so many of us, our children, and our community. No doubt Julianne’s love and commitment to developing the unique gifts and abilities of each child, regardless of color, creed, or religion can be seen in the beloved characters of Sesame Street.

As a graduate student at University of Illinois, Julianne did find time to fall in love. She met the love of her life, Julien Frost in Champaign, Illinois. Having met on a blind date, “Julianne and Julien” would spend many of their first dates on the steps of Julianne’s dorm just “talking until the sun came up”. Destined for one another, Julianne and Julien married in Louisville, Kentucky in 1966. Julianne would share Julien’s passion for the Fighting Illini and forge lifelong friendships with their Theta Chi family of brothers and wives and Julianne’s dear friends and fellow teachers from college. Julianne and Julien would share 49 years of marriage settling in Dallas, Texas in 1980.

Julianne spent over 30 years in the classroom touching the lives of countless children. She taught with love for the “whole child” reminding each student that “Tryers are Winners” and “asking that you always do your best”. She would retire from teaching in 1997 after 10 years in the classroom at University Park Elementary in Highland Park, where she earned the distinguished honor of Teacher of the Year in 1992.

Motherhood was Julianne’s greatest joy and privilege. Guided by the gentle spirit and devotion of the Blessed Mother to her own Son, Julianne raised 4 children and adored her 5 grandchildren. She loved each of her own Frost children fiercely and celebrated each of their unique gifts with constant encouragement and praise. She loved her children unconditionally and enjoyed nothing more than just listening, guiding, laughing and praying for and with them. Her uncanny ability to remind her children in the challenging moments of life, “that everything would be alright”, no matter the obstacle or fear, was grounded in her faith in God and the power of prayer. Julianne never let her family leave the house, go on a trip, have a meal, or close their eyes without a moment of prayer and a warm hug. Julianne reminded us daily to be “kind” and find the light in everyone. She assumed the “best” about everyone and never had an ugly word or judgement about anyone who crossed her path.

Julianne loved hosting family gatherings, celebrating holidays, milestones and entertaining friends in their home. She loved traveling with Julien and enjoying her trips with her Theta Chi L.A.F.F. ladies and other dear friends. She was an active member of the St. Rita school board and a long time #1 fan of the St. Rita Spartans, Ursuline Bears, Jesuit Rangers, Bishop Lynch Friars and Stephen F. Austin Lumberjacks. Julianne treasured her friends and great times from their bridge clubs, supper clubs, St. Rita Spaghetti Dinners and serving as a sponsor for the St. Rita RCIA program. Julianne was an active member of the Women’s A.C.T.’s Retreat ministry in the Dallas Diocese. She found great comfort and comradery for over 30 years among her dear friends and Sisters in Christ as a member of the St. Rita Women’s Bible Study Group. Julianne’s smile lit up a room and her “Joy'' for life was intoxicating. In a day and age of distraction and the challenge of “being present”, Julianne always had time for everyone she met. She loved nothing more than to “visit” and “hear all about you”. Her ability to see the “glass half full” and find gratitude in every situation is an inspiration to all of us. Even in the grasp of Alzheimer’s, Julianne’s lifelong devotion to the rosary and ability to daily recite each prayer never left her. We are comforted knowing that she is no longer suffering. We imagine that she is putting red lipstick on all the angels and dancing through heaven with Julien. The Queen of Hearts is gone from this earth, but her gentle and loving spirit will always be in our hearts.

The family will have a rosary and a Mass of Christian Burial on Saturday, February 20th at St. Rita Catholic Church. The rosary begins at 11:00 a.m. with the funeral mass to immediately follow at 11:30 a.m. Please follow this link to observe services virtually: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EeHBvtri51o&feature=youtu.be

Julianne requested that the funeral be a celebration of her life. We find comfort knowing she has received the rewards of Heaven. She asked that everyone please wear her favorite color-red or a touch of red-to celebrate Julianne’s life and as a tribute to her huge capacity for Love.

In light of COVID-19, St. Rita will be practicing strict virus prevention protocol for those who do choose to attend in person. In order to prevent the risk of spreading the virus, there will not be a reception. We appreciate your understanding in these challenging times.

In lieu of flowers, please send donations to http://act.alz.org/goto/JulianneBFrost

St. Rita Catholic Church is located at 12521 Inwood Road Dallas, Texas 75244