Doris Evelyn (Tucker) Julian, age 90, of Seymour, surrounded by her family at her home, passed away on Wednesday, February, 9, 2022. Preceded in death by husband, Earl C. Julian; son, Barry Julian; parents, Hershel Tucker and Leola West and sisters, Anne Hiers and Faye Sayne. She is survived by daughter, Janis Julian; sons and daughters-in-law, Timothy and Teresa Julian, Jerry and Ashley Julian; granddaughters, Haley Julian-Hill (Corey), Shelby and Chesney Julian; great grandson, Jace Hill; brother, Clyde Tucker (Cindy) and several in-laws and cousins.
Doris enjoyed nothing more than staying busy. Raised in a home with no electricity or running water, she developed a strong work ethic as a young child, learning to cook with a coal burning cookstove, doing laundry and chores with water carried from a spring into a house that was spotlessly maintained. She began cooking holiday feasts at age 20, and maintained that tradition throughout her life. Employed after her children reached high school, her transition to working Mom failed to diminish her roles as wife and mother. She loved baking, gardening, stretching a dollar, and traveling, visiting every state in the Union. She had an exceptional mental GPS system, navigating every road in East Tennessee and Western Carolina unaided by technology. At age 70, following the death of her husband, she hiked weekly in the Smokies, and expanded those hiking adventures to Wales, Spain, Austria, France, Italy, Greece and England.
Being fiercely competitive, Doris relished winning, be it sports, games, politics, or an argument. At age 80, she delighted in trouncing her daughter, grandchildren and friends at bowling.
She doted on her grandchildren, made countless trips to soccer games and school events, celebrated every birthday with a carefully planned dinner and cake, and welcomed the arrival of her long awaited great-grandson, who lightened her days during the dark times of COVID.
Doris only offered a soft place to land in the hardest of times. Otherwise, she expected people to take responsibility for themselves, even in difficult circumstances. Having lost an 8 year old son to a congenital heart condition, she chose to meet hardships by fully engaging in life.
Throughout her life, Doris was active in church and community, teaching, leading, volunteering for every conceivable church role, the PTA, and recently with the South Knox County Senior Center, her HOA board, American Heart Association, Keep Sevier Beautiful, among others. She made countless cakes, pies, and cookies provided to those in need.
Above all things, she was devoted to the teachings of the Bible and her church, as evidenced through faith, action and integrity.
We will miss her mightily.
Family will receive friends Sunday, February 13, 2022 from 1:00 PM to 3:00 PM at New Hopewell Baptist Church, 943 Kimberlin Heights Rd., Knoxville, TN 37920. A funeral service, celebrating her life, will follow at 3:00 PM. Rev. Carroll Golden officiating. Interment services will be held in New Hopewell Cemetery following the service.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to New Hopewell Baptist Church, 943 Kimberlin Heights Rd. Knoxville, TN 37920 or The American Heart Association, PO Box 840692 Dallas, TX. 75284-0692.
The family would like to thank Cassie Russell, UT Hospice, Amada Senior Care, Stephanie Goodman, Dr. John Acker, Cindi and Kathy.
Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.berryfuneralhome.com for the Julian family.
