Julia E. Lukens

Julia (Julie) Elizabeth Lukens left us to be with God on Sunday, January 25, 2026, surrounded by her family. Julie was born on January 9th, 1938, in Herrin, IL, to Myrell and Christina (Will) Griffin. She graduated from Herrin High School in 1956 and married the love of her life, Lindell Lukens, on July 3rd,1956. Julie and Lindell were married for 69 years & 6 months. They are often told by their grandkids that "they started all of this," now with an extended family of 42!

Their love story was one of devotion, patience, and mutual respect. They modeled what a true partnership looks like-choosing each other daily, supporting one another through life's joys and challenges, and building a family rooted in love. When asked the secret to such a lasting marriage, Lindell's answer was always the same: "Yes, ma'am," spoken with a grin and a lifetime of love behind it. Julie and Lindell have four children: Elizabeth Orso (Bruce), Mark Lukens (Janet), Irv Lukens (Crystal), and Brenda Lukens. Julie has 11 grandchildren who've started their own families: Chad (Jennifer) Orso, Curt (Mariessa) Orso, Dylan (Alyssa) Orso, Dane (Ashley) Neace, Garrett (Meredith) Lukens, Nathan (Michelle) Lukens, Megan (Nigel) LeBlanc, Kaci Lukens, Jessica (Kyle) Hudson, Justin (Chelsea) Lukens, and Maezy Lukens. She has 15 great-grandchildren that she loved so much: Kyrese Lukens, Braylon Dawe, Jaxon Hudson, Marlee LeBlanc, Quincy Lukens, Everett Orso, Griffin Orso, Kandon LeBlanc, Lyla Hudson, Grant Orso, Cora Orso, Vera Lukens, Oliver Neace, Kingston Lukens, and Roe Lukens. Julie is survived by the love of her life, Lindell Lukens; her brother, Martin Griffin (Paulette); sister-in-law, Sue Boles; sister and brother-in-law, Terry and Karen Stone; brother-in-law, Geary Lukens; and the posse of kids, grandkids, great-grandkids, and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

Julie was a tremendous mother and grandmother, but she was also a beloved friend. Stories and pictures of her girlfriend groups and their adventures abound. She always found a reason to make someone laugh. She considered her "Calendar Girls", "Back Pew Girls", Breakfast Club, The Class of '56 Committee, and Line Dancing friend groups a part of her family and loved the times she had with them. With such a large, active family, Julie (and Lindell) could be seen at all athletic fields, schools, and gyms in the area, trying to keep up with the activities their family members were involved in. If someone was your friend or family member, and Julie met them, they became her friend too. Her smile and wit drew people in and made them feel welcome. Her attention to the needs of her grandkids and greats stayed with her literally until the very end. Even while very ill, she wanted to know about their school, games, and activities when they were talking to her. She also watched every game that she could online.

Julie worked at several local businesses when she was younger, including Olin's, State Farm Insurance, Patterson Chiropractic, and Herrin Security Bank. But when her first grandchildren were born, she made the most important decision of her life-she stepped away from her career so she could devote herself fully to caring for her grandbabies. That calling became her life's work. From the arrival of her first grandchildren in 1983 to her last in 2005-and not counting the many great-grandchildren she lovingly helped care for-Julie poured her days into nurturing, guiding, and loving her family. Playing pretend, listening patiently to long stories, and being fully present were her greatest strengths, and through them, she instilled a deep sense of love and security that helped her grandchildren grow into wonderful parents themselves. If asked about her accomplishments, Julie would humbly say she never did anything special. But the way her

family surrounds one another with love, loyalty, and care tells a far greater story. Her greatest accomplishment was the greatest gift of all-love.

As Jesus taught, love is the greatest gift, and Julie lived it every single day. Her made-up words, unique sense of fashion, uncanny ability to find the perfect gift for every child and grandchild, and her playful banter with Lindell will be missed beyond measure. Yet the love she shared so freely will continue to grow through her family, and that is the legacy she leaves behind.

Services for Julie will be at Our Lady of Mt. Carmel Church in Herrin on Saturday, February 7th. Visitation from 9 a.m. until 11 a.m. and funeral at 11 a.m. Please join us after the funeral mass at Herrin Knights of Columbus for a Celebration of Life; bring your stories.

If you would like to, memorial donations can be made to St. Judes. There will be envelopes available at the service.