Julianna "Julie" Pierson Lipshy

Julianna Pierson Lipshy, known to many as Julie, was born on August 5, 1942, in Glendale, California, to Norman Albert Pierson and Frances Olivia Pierson (Thompson). She grew up in Norman, Oklahoma, which remained central to her sense of home and identity throughout her life. From an early age, she had a lifelong love of animals, especially horses, and in her early adulthood was devoted to her favorite horse, Fancy, a bond that reflected her independence and instinctive understanding of spirited creatures. She attended University High School in Norman from 1958 to 1959 and was a member of the Norman High School Class of 1960. She went on to attend the University of Oklahoma.

Julie began her professional life as a buyer for Neiman Marcus before pursuing aviation. After completing flight attendant training and working briefly for United Airlines, she transferred to American Airlines, where she built the career she held with greatest pride. She worked as a flight attendant for nearly thirty years, traveling the world extensively, forming lasting friendships, and remaining deeply engaged with the wider world. Her work reflected her professionalism, confidence, and ease with people.

Julie was married for forty-nine and a half years to her husband, Jay Stuart Lipshy. Together they traveled the world nearly five times over and built a life defined by shared experience and profound understanding. They made their home together in Dallas, Texas, a city Julie cherished. She loved him fiercely, and to him, she was simply the best.

She was deeply proud of the life she built and of the people within it. Giving to others was her first instinct and her love language. She was joyful, supportive, and encouraging, and she made people feel important through genuine interest and respect. Romantic by nature, she continually educated herself through reading, films, and music, valuing beauty, humor, and emotional depth and carrying those sensibilities into how she lived and loved.

In retirement, Julie continued to travel and to make a beautiful life with Jay, marked by devotion, joy, and intention. Elegant, assured, and deeply present, she was a protector and a natural matriarch whose influence extended through her family, friendships, and community.

Julianna Pierson Lipshy died on December 27, 2025, in Norman, Oklahoma. Her passing leaves a profound absence, and her presence will endure in the many lives shaped by her generosity, devotion, and care.

She is survived by her sisters Loretta Moore and Bonita Cubert, and by many deeply beloved nieces, nephews, and extended family members. She was preceded in death by her parents, Norman Albert Pierson and Frances Olivia Pierson (Thompson), and by her brother, Marshall Alan Pierson.

A memorial service will be held at Primrose Funeral Service, located at 3901 N Flood Ave., Norman, OK, 73069, United States, on Friday, January 16, 2026, starting at 2:00 pm.

“May the road rise up to meet you.

May the wind be always at your back.

May the sun shine warm upon your face;

the rains fall soft upon your fields and until we meet again,

may God hold you in the palm of His hand.”

~ Traditional Irish Blessing