Julia Gay (Shipley) Heath

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the unexpected passing of Julia Gay Shipley Heath, 57, of Irving, Texas, on Thursday, July 2, 2026. Julia was born to Donald and Mary Shipley on March 25, 1969, in Irving. A sunny, happy baby, she grew into a mischievous teenager. Julia graduated from Texas Christian Academy in Arlington in 1987, where she enjoyed playing basketball, cheering for the Spartans, performing in plays and musicals, and playing the violin.

After graduation, Julia worked in several fields, including mailroom

processing, car sales, physical fitness training, and concert coordination at the Footloose Christian concert hall. She married Tim Heath in 1990 and later returned to school, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Exercise Science from the University of Texas at Arlington in 1998. She went on to fulfill her calling as a Physician Assistant, graduating at the top of her class from the University of North Texas Health Science Center in Fort Worth in 2001 with a second Bachelor’s degree in Physician Assistant Studies. Julia worked as a Physician Assistant for several years before receiving what she

considered her most precious calling: becoming the mother of Trinity Hope Heath in 2006.

Although fibromyalgia eventually prevented Julia from continuing her career, she found many meaningful ways to use her gifts. She remained a devoted mother to Trinity and created beautiful beaded jewelry, flower arrangements, and delicious pies. Her own experience with chronic pain also fueled her compassion for others and inspired her advocacy for changes to state laws.

Most importantly, Julia loved the Lord with all her heart and was

unashamed of the Gospel of Christ. She was a safe place for many who suffered and shared the plan of salvation with others. She believed deeply in the healing power of peace and forgiveness and was known for being both an engaging extrovert and a thoughtful listener. Generous, trusting, and compassionate, Julia rarely complained about her suffering and continued to look forward with hope to better days.

Julia was preceded in death by her grandparents, Mary Lois Barkley,

Charles David Shipley, and Mary Rachel Shipley. She is lovingly remembered by her daughter, Trinity Hope Heath; parents, Don and

Mary Shipley; sister Eden and her husband, Tim Hall; brother Stephen and his wife, Lucia Shipley; sister Jeanna and her husband, James Schaare; and numerous relatives and friends.

A celebration of life for Julia will be held 10:00 am Saturday, August 1, 2026, at Freedom Life Fellowship in Euless. A private inurnment was held at Haven of Memories Memorial Park in Canton, where Julia was peacefully laid to rest.