Julia Ann Gilmer

Julia Ann Gilmer, 70, of Bossier City, Louisiana, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 11, 2026, surrounded by her loving family. A devoted daughter, mother, grandmother, and friend, Julia lived a life rooted in faith, compassion, service, and unconditional love.

Born on June 14, 1956, in Shreveport, Louisiana, Julia was the beloved daughter of Thomas E. Gilmer and Hattie Mae Gilmer. She graduated from Doyline High School with the Class of 1974 before pursuing her lifelong passion for nutrition and helping others. She earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Dietetics from Louisiana Tech University.

Julia dedicated her professional career to serving America's veterans. She served as the Director of Nutrition and Food Services for the Department of Veterans Affairs in St. Louis, Missouri, where she faithfully led with professionalism, compassion, and integrity until her retirement in 2023. Following retirement, she returned home to Bossier City to be closer to her family.

Julia found joy in life's simple blessings. She loved tending to her garden, caring for animals (especially her beloved cat, Tilly), cooking, playing dominos, and spending cherished time with her family. She had a servant's heart and found great happiness in caring for others. Her unwavering faith in Jesus Christ was the foundation of her life, and she was a faithful member of The Truth Church, where she loved worshipping, serving, and fellowshipping with her church family.

Julia was preceded in death by her beloved son, Christopher Casciola, and her father, Thomas E. Gilmer.

She leaves behind to cherish her memory her loving mother, Hattie Mae Gilmer; her daughter, Melissa Casciola Oakes, and son-in-law, Brock Oakes; her granddaughter, Hadley Reese Hertz; and numerous aunts, uncles, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends whose lives were forever touched by her kindness, generosity, and steadfast faith.

Serving as pallbearers will be Howard Gilmer, Wayne Casciola, Brock Oakes, Doug Asseff, Avery Asseff, and Michael Patten.

Visitation will be held at Hill Crest Memorial Funeral Home, 601 U.S. Highway 80, Haughton, Louisiana 71037, beginning at 9:00 a.m. A graveside service, officiated by Pastor Mark Frost, will be held at 10:00 a.m.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt gratitude to the physicians, nurses, and staff of Christus Highland Medical Center for the exceptional compassion, care, and dignity they showed Julia and her family. They would also like to extend their sincere appreciation to the dedicated team at Allegiance Healthcare: Home Health, Hospice, and Palliative Care for the comfort, guidance, and compassionate support they provided throughout Julia's journey.

A very special thank you is extended to Trish Perry ("Sissy"), whose loving care, unwavering compassion, and selfless devotion brought immeasurable comfort to Julia and her family. Her kindness and faithful presence will always be remembered with deep gratitude.

In keeping with Julia's final wishes, the family kindly requests that, in lieu of flowers, memorial donations be made to The Truth Church, 5257 LA-527, Haughton, Louisiana 71037, where she faithfully worshiped and served.

Julia's compassionate heart, unwavering faith, and love for her family will continue to inspire all who had the privilege of knowing her. Though she will be deeply missed, her family finds peace in knowing she is now whole, healed, and in the presence of her Savior.

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” 2 Timothy 4:7