In Loving Memory of Julie Speaks – A Gentle Soul Gone Too Soon

On October 10, 2025, the town of Van Buren, Arkansas lost one of its most beloved hearts—Julie Speaks, age 73. Though her passing was peaceful, the silence she leaves behind is deafening. Julie wasn’t just a mother, a wife, a grandmother, or a friend—she was the steady light in the lives of those who knew her. Her warmth radiated through every moment shared, and her faith carried her through life with grace, love, and quiet strength.

Julie’s journey ended at home, surrounded by love and memories. She was a devoted member of St. Michael’s Catholic Church, where her faith was her foundation. After many years of dedicated service at Southwest Bell (now AT&T), she embraced retirement, not with rest, but with purpose—spending time with family, nurturing her community, and continuing to give her heart in small, meaningful ways. Her absence is more than a loss—it is a wound to those who loved her deeply.

A Life Built on Faith, Family, and Love

Julie Speaks lived her life with intention and devotion. Her marriage to Gerald Speaks was one of quiet strength and partnership, built on decades of love and shared experiences. Together, they raised three daughters who carry Julie’s compassion and resilience in their hearts. Her role as a mother and grandmother was not just a title—it was her life’s calling. Julie loved fiercely and without condition. Her family knew, without a doubt, that she would always be there with open arms and a listening ear.

Her siblings, grandchildren, and extended family knew her as the glue that held generations together. Her wisdom was sought, her laughter cherished, and her home was always open to anyone who needed a meal, a prayer, or simply a place to rest. The values she instilled in those around her—kindness, forgiveness, and unwavering faith—will live on in the many lives she touched.

A Legacy of Grace That Will Never Be Forgotten

Though Julie’s earthly journey has ended, her legacy is far from gone. Her memory lives in the stories shared around the dinner table, in the hymns sung at Sunday mass, and in every quiet moment her family finds comfort in her teachings. In her 73 years, Julie didn’t seek recognition; she simply gave—her time, her love, her faith. And in doing so, she left behind something eternal.

Her funeral will be a gathering not just of mourning, but of celebration—for a life beautifully lived and deeply cherished. Those who come together will hold each other close, draw strength from her memory, and promise to carry forward the light she lit in their hearts.