Julie Ann Pettis Garza

May 7, 1958 – August 26, 2025

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Julie Ann Pettis Garza, who was called home to be with the Lord on August 26, 2025, while resting peacefully at her home. Julie fought a courageous battle with cancer for just over two years, facing each day with grace, strength, and unwavering faith.

Julie was born on May 7, 1958, in Jackson, Mississippi, to Robert Jay Koonce and Sara Ann Cox Markham. She spent her formative years in Jackson and Hattiesburg, MS, as well as Monroe, Tioga and Alexandria, LA. Julie graduated from Oak Grove High School in Hattiesburg in 1976 and later earned her degree in Business Administration from The University of Southern Mississippi.

Julie’s life was marked by both sorrow and enduring resilience. After marrying Buster Pettis, the couple tragically experienced a devastating car accident in which Buster and their unborn child were lost. Through grief, Julie found strength and eventually began a new chapter in Austin, Texas.

There, she met her beloved husband, Robert Joseph Garza. During this time, Julie became a loving stepmother to Robert's two children, Amber Nicole Garza and Robert James Garza. Together Robert and Julie built not just a life, but a business, where Julie continued to work with commitment and passion, even during her illness.

Julie brought light and joy to all who knew her. Her friends and family were continually inspired by her boundless optimism, generous spirit, and love for life. She had a deep appreciation for music and was a regular at concerts and festivals, attending the Austin City Limits three-day music festival eleven years in a row with her dear friend, Susan Weldy. In addition to that, Julie and Robert were avid fishers making many memories in Port Aransas. Julie also loved sports, in particular, Southern Miss Football and The New Orleans Saints.

Julie was preceded in death by, her parents, her sisters Mary Adelia Lindsey and Linda Kay Herring. She is survived by her loving husband of Manor, TX, ornery cat, Gustavo aka Gus, brother, Jay Charles Koonce of Shreveport, LA, and brother-in-law, Alex Herring from The Woodlands,TX; her step children, and her beloved stepson's daughter, Novalei Fae Garza; her cherished nieces and nephews—Nora Kay Reed, Erin Herring, John Herring, Tayler Scott, Sara Ellengburg, and Lauren DeBroeck; and her great-nieces, Hanna Ellengburg and Anna Claire DeBroeck and great-nephews, Hudson & Trey DeBroeck, Tysen & Tyren Scott, Jack & Jett Reed, and Cannon Warren. Julie found immense joy in spending time with them, often hosting them for summer vacations and creating treasured memories.

Her love, resilience, and joyful spirit will live on in all who had the privilege of knowing her.

A Memorial Service for Julie will be held Saturday, September 6, 2025 from 2:30 PM to 3:30 PM at Cook-Walden Funeral Home, 6100 North Lamar, Austin, TX 78752.