Julia Lynn Whitson, 61, passed from this life on January 4, 2026, in Woodward, Oklahoma, after a courageous 17-year battle with cancer. She spent her final days surrounded by love, having just enjoyed the holidays with family and friends.

Julia was born on June 6, 1964, in Cheyenne, Oklahoma, to Raymond Whitson and Rosella (Peacock) Wilcox. Throughout her childhood, the family moved often, following work opportunities wherever they could be found. Julia attended schools in Fort Supply, Fargo, Mandan, North Dakota, and Vici, Oklahoma, graduating from Vici High School with the Class of 1982.

In November of 1983, Julia welcomed her first child, a son, Brett. As a young mother, she worked tirelessly to provide for her small family. That determination, combined with her adventurous spirit and family tradition of seeking opportunity, led her on many journeys—from Amarillo, Texas, to Billings, Montana, and eventually to Dodge City, Kansas. There, she found professional success, becoming a manager at the Dodge House Inn and even attending college for a year.

After the Dodge House management changed, Julia once again set out in search of opportunity, while keeping her son close to family. She settled in Woodward, Oklahoma, with additional travels that took her to Fayetteville, Arkansas, Elk City, Oklahoma, and back again. In May of 1997, she welcomed her daughter, Rosella Blayze. Shortly thereafter, Julia moved her family to Laverne, Oklahoma, where she worked as a waitress at local restaurants and devoted herself to raising her children.

In May of 2002, Julia was blessed with her youngest daughter, McKenzi Jade, completing her family. The family lived in the Shattuck and Fargo area for a time before returning to Woodward. Over the years, Julia worked in healthcare as a CNA and home health aide and also served as a bar manager.

Julia enjoyed reading and listening to music. She loved going to the lake, camping, and spending time outdoors with family and friends. Though her children were grown, they were never far from her heart. Julia found her greatest joy in spending time with her children, grandchildren, bonus children, family, and friends.

Later in life, Julia moved to Higgins, Texas, to be closer to her mother, where she spent her final year. Known as Grandma Moke, “Na-Na,” and Grandmother to her grandchildren, Julia was a devoted grandmother, a strong and independent mother, and a loyal friend. She was loving, kind, and truly had a heart of gold—always her mama’s baby, even if she wasn’t the youngest.

Julia was preceded in death by her father, Raymond Whitson; sisters, Katrina Whitson and Raelene Hamacker; brothers, Raymond Whitson, Jr. (in infancy) and Cody Whitson; nephews, Nicholas Gratwhol and Brandon Hamacker; grandparents, Frank and Hattie Peacock and Zelno and Cora Whitson; and her bonus daughter, Destiney Ward.

Those left to cherish her memory include her mother, Rosella Wilcox of Higgins, Texas; son, Brett Hammack and wife Jessie of Woodward, Oklahoma; grandchildren Cole, Mady, Baily, Dacie, and Halle Hammack of Woodward; daughter, Rosella Blayze Whitson of Clinton, Oklahoma; grandchildren Rudey Ortega and Alisady Sears of Clinton; daughter, McKenzi Jade Whitson and Johnny of Colorado; brother, Darren Watkins of Woodward; sister, Jessie Jo Maphet of Oklahoma City; aunt, Connie Waldrop; uncle, James Peacock; many nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family; bonus children Kyle Currey, Jolleen Jackson, Shae Ward, and Ashton Ward; and a host of dear friends.

Julia’s strength, love, and unwavering devotion to her family will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

“Love You to the Moon & Back”

 In lieu of flowers memorial donations may be made to 

  Shaw Funeral Home  ~ towards the cost of the service  

 c/o Shaw Funeral Home 

 P.O. Box 276 

 Vici, OK 73859.