The following is a direct copy of Julia Oliphint Willhoite’s obituary.

Julia Elizabeth Oliphint Willhoite was born on February 12, 1923, and died peacefully on January 9, 2021, at age 97. Born in Huntsville, Texas, she was the daughter of Clifford Blanton Oliphint and Caroline Salley Prentice Oliphint. She graduated from Robert E. Lee High School (Huntsville) in 1940 and attended Sam Houston College (Huntsville) from 1940-1942. Julia married Warren Augustus Willhoite on November 28, 1942 at First Methodist Church in Huntsville, after he charmingly proposed to her by “telling” her they would be married on his birthday. Warren and Julia lived in Houston for two years until 1944, when they moved to Austin. Julia graduated from The University of Texas at Austin in 1946 with a Bachelor of Science in Home Economics and Child Development.

Julia worked for three years at Austin High School Child Development Laboratory Nursery School. After taking time off to raise four sons, in 1963 she was asked to become the Director of All Saints’ Episcopal School, where she worked until 1977.

Julia was an avid genealogist, traveling the US and abroad searching dusty courthouse documents and long-forgotten graveyards to locate old family records. Her interest in genealogy and research led to memberships and leadership positions in many organizations, including Daughters of the Republic of Texas, The National Society Colonial Dames XVII Century, Daughters of the American Revolution, Ladies of the Thistle, and Magna Carta Dames, to name but a few.

She and her family were involved with the Boy Scouts, enjoying summers at Philmont Scout Ranch. Julia and Warren spent 25 years square dancing and loved dancing at Kirkwood Lodge in Missouri. More recent summers were spent with her dear cousins at the Frio River. She loved to travel, and some of her favorite places were Mexico, Brazil, England, Scotland, Wales, France, and Switzerland. Until the end of her life, she proudly lived in the Austin home Warren designed and built in 1960.

Julia joined University Avenue Church of Christ in 1945, where she was the longest-standing member.

Julia was preceded in death by her husband Warren (November 28, 1920 – February 10, 1995), son Warren Allen (January 4, 1951 – November 21, 1973), sister Carol Oliphint Reed, sister Emma Dean Oliphint Adams, and brother Dryden Lawton Prentice.

Julia is survived by devoted sons Steven and wife Amber, Kevin and wife Nini, and Robin and wife Karina; grandchildren Christopher, Laura, William, Happy, and Cara; and great-grandchildren Hannah and Ira.

Family and community were of the utmost importance to Julia. Our matriarch was strong-willed, opinionated, open-minded, and always forgiving, generous, and loving. She will be profoundly missed.

The family would like to express our deepest gratitude to her faith family at University Avenue Church of Christ, Brookdale North and their staff, Brookdale Hospice and their staff, especially Craig and Kayleigh, and Halcyon Home and their staff, especially Nkeiruka, Shayla, and Purity.

We also want to say a special thank you to Elida Reynosa, our loyal family friend, who provided loving care to Julia. Additionally, we would like to acknowledge all of the time, love, and care immediate family members provided for her in her times of need, including her grandchildren, especially William.

The graveside service will be a private family event, but, at a later date, a celebration of her life will be held for all who wish to attend. Donations in her honor can be made to the Central Texas Children’s Home.