Julia May Durrance

Julia May Durrance passed away peacefully at home on Thanksgiving evening, November 23, 2023. She was born to Sid and Vivian Moore in Bradenton on September 11, 1930. Julia was a third generation Manatee County native. She is survived by son Hank (Susie) and sister Ann Mann of Jackson, Tennessee.

Julia was preceded in death by husband, Laddie and sons Buddy and Buck. She leaves grandchildren Jessica McVey, Chisum Durrance, Trent Durrance (Evonne) and Savannah Goss (Justin) and great grandchildren Blaine, Bailen and Sydney McVey and Isabella Goss. Julia was very active as a member of the Palmetto Women’s Club, having served as past President. She was also very active in the Manatee County Cattlemen’s Association. Julia worked diligently to ensure that her yard was the way she wanted it at all times. Many knew her from visiting with her on her front porch. Those that passed by, that she did not know, would be warned not to pick or take her flowers! Julia arranged flowers for her church and won several awards with her entries at the Manatee County Fair. Julia met Laddie, her future husband, when he noticed her driving the school bus when she was nineteen. The rest is history. They were married for sixty years. Julia worked with Laddie in the family cattle ranching and gas station businesses. She was a great accountant and knew, to the penny, what had been earned or spent. She prepared and delivered many cowboy lunches when the cows were being worked. Both Julia and Laddie also enjoyed working at the Cattleman’s Association food booth for many years at the Manatee County Fair.

Visitation will be held Saturday, December 9th, 2023 at 9:30 AM at Groover Funeral Home at Mansion Memorial Park, followed by graveside services at The Gillette Cemetery.

Memorial donations may be made to Tidewell Hospice (Ellenton Team), Manatee County Cattleman’s Association or to Surrey Place Rehabilitation. The Durrance family would like to thank Betty Brooks and Gigi Jordan for their care and unwavering support during this time.