Julia Ellen Hegi

Julia Ellen Johnson Pharr Hegi, 96, went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ on July 3. She was born to Cliff and Gertrude Johnson on May 29, 1921 in Post, Texas. Graduating from Texas Tech, she taught elementary children for 28 years in Lubbock. When she encountered former students, they remembered fondly how they loved having her for a teacher. She was a life-long member of First Baptist Church Lubbock, and even in her last months, desired to glorify God in everything by praying for and encouraging others. A gifted pianist, she delighted in playing for others in church, in variety shows at her winter home in Mesa AZ, and at Windsong, where she lived for 16 years.

Julia was a devoted daughter, sister, wife, mother, and warm friend to all. In fact, most people say she never met a stranger. She loved meeting people, and was always the first to greet a newcomer wherever she was. Many friends at Windsong/Carillon have known her for decades, some 70+ years!

With a remarkable will to live life to the fullest, she survived several serious illnesses over the years, always being grateful for each day on this earth. Even on days when she felt bad or was in pain, she always looked on the bright side, saying, “Tomorrow will be a better day.” She was a wonderful writer and penned many poems & rhymes, some inspirational, some witty, and some just happy! She loved beauty, nature, dancing, decorating, travel and shopping for “pretty things”!

Julia was preceded in death by her parents, her first husband, Wayne E. Pharr, and second husband Guy Hegi, her daughter, Linda Pharr Keithley, and sister, Mary Lois McNeely. She is survived by her son and his wife, Don and Jill Pharr, of Georgetown, grandsons Bree Clark-Pharr of Austin, Scott Keithley and Mike Keithley, and step-daughter Shelley Hegi Kemp of Lubbock, along with many more extended family members.

The family wishes to thank all the caring staff at Carillon/Windsong, her nurses from Calvert and Carillon House, her sweet, attentive caregivers, Hospice of Lubbock, and Becky Taylor. Memorials may be given to Carillon Foundation or cancer charity of your choice.

A celebration of Julia’s life will be held on Wednesday, August 9th at 10:00 a.m. in Neil Chapel at Carillon campus, 1717 Norfolk Ave. Lubbock. A reception will follow in the Caprock Room on the 2nd floor of Carillon/Windsong.

Online condolences may be offered at: www.resthavenfuneralhome.com.

Arrangements under the direction of Resthaven Funeral Home & Memorial Park, Lubbock, TX.