With a heavy heart, we share the news that Julia Ann Sisson passed from this life on September 11th, 2023. When people remember Julia – also fondly called Julie, Jules and Judy – the first thing they'll say is how fun she was to talk to. Family, friends, and clients alike knew a good chat was coming when Julie called or came to visit, with tales of golfing, fishing or kayaking, and the latest on news and sports – especially the Cornhuskers!

Julia was born May 5th, 1949 in Winston-Salem, North Carolina, to Henry and Mary Alice Smith. She remembered family adventures with her parents, sisters Terry and Margie, and little brother Hank. A favorite childhood memory was visiting nearby Atlanta, where a mischievous Julia took part in dropping water balloons on boardwalk passerby! The Smith family moved to Lincoln, Nebraska (where Julie caught the Cornhusker bug). She graduated from Lincoln High School with her best friend Joleen, whom she stayed in touch with throughout her life.

Julia attended Wayne State College and began her career with compassion, working in a field related to her father's legal role with the Disabled American Veterans helping veterans acquire their benefits; Julia's role with the DAV assisted veterans with overcoming their challenges. Her passion and talent working with people led her to media sales, and her family grew while she pursued her career and opportunities, eventually landing in the Black Hills, home of her heart. Julia's daughter Kori was born in Lincoln, Nebraska, and Kadie was born in Rapid City, South Dakota when Julie and her then-husband Richard lived there the first time; while they lived in Sioux Falls they had Antonia, but moved back to the Black Hills in 1981 shortly after she was born.

Julia first sold advertising for a rock radio station and then for the local CBS television affiliate until she retired. She loved her work and excelled at it, and her clients enjoyed her sense of humor. In the 1990s after she met her love Michael Roy Sisson, Julia's sales rewards took them from beautiful places like Florida to Hawaii for unforgettable trips. They loved being home in the Black Hills though, so when Julia retired, they spent their time golfing, fishing, kayaking, boating, camping, taking rides in the hills and playing cards on the back deck. The classic rock they enjoyed was often playing in the background.

Julia loved to have family over for holiday dinners and was known for making a fantastic turkey dinner; she was an excellent cook and enjoyed trying recipes from magazines and TV shows. Paired with Mike baking his family's beloved bread recipes, meals were a favorite time for everyone. Mike and Julie loved their home in the hills and the critters that cuddled them daily. Over the years they took care of multiple rescued dogs and wandering cats, and even took in some horses! But they especially loved their pups, usually having at least three in the house at time. Julia will get cuddles up above from Sam (Sambose), Ladybug, Barkley (Sir Charles), Benjamin (Bobo) and Bailey (dogs), plus Samantha, Jade and Tigger (cats). Mike is still kept warm by Brady, Bandit and Bambi (Britches).

Julia is preceded in death by her parents, Henry Ellis Smith Jr. and Mary Alice Smith (Benge), and her siblings Hank (Henry) Smith III. and Terri Steele (Collin) and survived by her sister Margie (Margaret) Smith-Haas (Paul, d.). Remaining family members are Michael R. Sisson (spouse), and daughters Kori L. Bertino (Jerry), Kadie A. Pawich (Tyler), and Antonia M. Kucera.

Julia will be missed by her family and numerous friends. She will remain in our hearts for the years to come.