Julia Jan French Wood's Obituary
Julia Jan French Wood, 81, passed away on August 17, 2022 in Mandeville, Louisiana. Julia was the third child born to Thomas Quinn and Mildred Morgan French on January 21, 1941 in Conway, Arkansas. Julia was raised on the family homestead in Bee Branch, Arkansas. With her family, she was a member of the Bee Branch Baptist Church, and she graduated valedictorian from South Side High School at the early age of seventeen. It was her honor to be crowned Miss North Arkansas only two months later in 1958. Julia attended the University of Arkansas and the University of Central Arkansas before later moving to New Orleans, where she became a flight attendant with Eastern Airlines.
Julia met her husband, George J. Wood, Jr. in New Orleans in 1963. He was a native of New Orleans and a pilot for Eastern Airlines. George predeceased Julia in 2006. The couple had five children, namely, Patrick Joseph Quinn Wood (Raquel Abud) of Mandeville, LA, Michael Jeffory Thomas Wood (Jennifer Jensen) of Mandeville, LA, Retired LSP Lt. Todd Jeremy French Wood of Springfield, LA, Heather Juliana Vaughn Wood Massey (Rick) of Hobbs, NM, and Morgan Jeb Hancock Wood, Sr. (Sara Zarragoitia) of Mandeville, LA; ten grandchildren, namely, Holly Juliana Wood Whitman (Jonathan), Morgan Jeb Hancock Wood, Jr., Juliana Kate Massey Click (Elijah), Anna Mae Jeanne Wood (CJ Alsobrooks ), Alexandra Morgan Elise Wood, Grant Alexander Quinn Wood , Ricky George Quinn Massey, Patrick Quinn Wood, George Grant Jefferson Wood, and Michael Todd Wood; and five great-grandchildren, namely, Jacob Wayne Danger Whitman, Oliver Eitan Phoenix Whitman, who predeceased Julia in 2018, Eitan Michael Maverick Whitman, Jensen James Alsobrooks, and Ayla Peach Hadassah Whitman. Anyone who spoke with Julia shortly before she passed also knew that she was excitedly awaiting the arrival of two additional great-grandchildren in November and December of this year. Julia had three siblings, namely, Rebecca Ann Petersen of Houston, TX, Mary Frances French of Mandeville, LA, and Thomas Quinn French II, who predeceased her in 2007. She had many nieces and one nephew.
Throughout her life, Julia owned many small businesses in addition to raising her five children. A natural caretaker, Julia also provided full-time care to her mother for many years until her death in 2003. After moving her mother “Mama Boots” to her home in Metairie in 1995, Julia became interested in researching the family tree. That research sparked her lifelong passion for Genealogy. From then until her passing, Julia was an avid genealogist tracing family lines back to Charlemagne and helping others trace their family roots. She is a member of the Order of the Crown of Charlemagne, Order of Americans of Armorial Ancestry, First Families of North Carolina (17 ancestors), Sons & Daughters of Colonial Bench & Bar, Daughters of Indian Wars, and also a member (and past officer) of many Louisiana and New Orleans heritage societies, including Governor of the 1st LA Company of the Jamestowne Society, President of the LA Society Dames of the Court of Honor, founding President of the New Orleans Chapter of The Colonial Dames of America. Julia was also an officer of LA Southern Dames of America, LA Daughters of Colonial Wars, Spirit of 76’ Chapter, Daughter of the American Revolution (8 Revolutionary War ancestors under DAR), Colonial Daughters of the 17th Century, LaLouisiane Colonial Dames 17th Century, Robert Ruffin Colonial Dames 17th Century, Thomas Noble Daughters of American Colonialists, Chalmette Daughters of the War of 1812, Jefferson Davis United Daughters of the Confederacy (21 relatives in the Civil War); and many more organizations and societies.
Julia was a tech-savvy grandmother, who loved spending time on her computer, and she was always learning new things. She kept very busy with her many hobbies and interests, however, she always had time for her family. The love that she had for her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren was obvious in everything she did. Julia was never shy of conversation, and she had a wealth of historical heritage to share.
Julia will be remembered for the fascinating stories of her early years growing up in Bee Branch and her infectious laugh that accompanied them. We will all miss her dearly, but may we continue to carry her memory in our hearts, sharing the story of her life, continuing on her generous spirit, and caring for our family, just as Julia always did.
Relatives and friends are invited to the Celebration of Life at E.J. Fielding Funeral Home, 2260 W. 21st Avenue, Covington, LA 70433 on Friday, September 2, 2022 at 11:00 AM with visitation from 9:00 AM until service time.
E. J. Fielding Funeral Home has been entrusted with the arrangements. Please Share a Memory on the Tribute Wall at www.ejfieldingfh.com.
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