Julianne Barker Wood

Julie was born in Sioux City, Iowa, in 1947 to Harold Luther and Lois Keane Barker. She graduated from Bishop Heelan Catholic High School, where she was actively involved in many school activities. She earned her bachelor's degree from the University of South Dakota and a master's degree from the University of Nebraska–Lincoln.

In June 1970, she married the love of her life, Frank Wood, and together they began a 56-year journey filled with love, partnership, and adventure. The couple moved to Fort Lauderdale, Florida, where Julie taught in the Speech Department at Broward Community College for 11 years.

She later joined Ryder Systems in Miami, leading national training programs for the company. In 1986, she moved with her family to Orlando when Frank accepted a position with Disney. Julie continued her successful career with the Wilson Learning Group before establishing her own consulting firm, working with Fortune 500 companies. Following September 11, she focused her expertise on helping small businesses throughout the Orlando area until her retirement in 2015.

Julie is survived by her devoted husband, Frank Wood; her son, Patrick Wood; her sister, Mary Jane Benjamin; and many beloved nieces and nephews.

Julie will be remembered for her unwavering faith, kindness, determination, and the love she freely gave to everyone around her. She approached every challenge with commitment and perseverance, believing that anything worth doing was worth giving her very best. She never met a stranger and had a remarkable gift for making others feel welcome, valued, and at ease.

A loving wife, devoted mother, treasured friend, and the life of every gathering, Julie brought joy wherever she went. Her warmth, generosity, and vibrant spirit touched countless lives, and her legacy of love and friendship will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

Memorial donations may be made to Susan G. Komen for the Cure to support breast cancer research, a cause that was meaningful to Julie and her family.