Julianne Marie Compann

Julianne Marie Robertson Compann, known lovingly as Julie, passed away peacefully on November 11, 2025, at 11:45 p.m. She was born on October 4, 1950, in Savannah, Georgia, and shared her time between Gulfport, Mississippi, and Gainesville, Georgia, with her beloved husband, Silvino "Sal" Compann. Julie lived a vibrant, extraordinary life filled with love, laughter, and achievement.
Julie was a visionary leader in the technology and telecommunications industry. As President and CEO of ZCorum, she dedicated over two decades to expanding broadband access across rural America, providing internet services to smaller independent utility companies affectionately known as "Ma and Pa Bell." Her brilliance, business acumen, and compassion shaped an entire generation of innovation and leadership.
Her career began in the 1970s as a Licensed Practical Nurse and Radiology Technician, assisting doctors in surgery and caring for patients with deep empathy. In that same decade, she channeled her creativity and love of movement into owning and teaching her own belly dancing school while also becoming a top-performing Avon representative - a testament to her entrepreneurial spirit and magnetic charm.
During the 1980s, Julie served as Managing Director of The Software Link, where she helped pioneer one of the first multitasking, multiuser software systems long before Microsoft became a household name. Her clients included IBM, Motorola, Unisys, and Lanier, and she led with intelligence, courage, and authenticity in a field then dominated by men.
In the 1990s, she founded her own consulting firm, Robertson-Caruso, serving prestigious clients such as BellSouth, The Southern Company, and Mindspring, before ultimately becoming a respected executive and the driving force behind ZCorum's success.
Julie's love of life extended well beyond her professional accomplishments. She traveled to more than 60 countries for both business and pleasure, often alongside her devoted husband and best friend, Sal. Together, they built a life rich with adventure, joy, and shared discovery - dividing their time between the coastal beauty of Mississippi and the peaceful foothills of Georgia.
Julie will be remembered not only for her sharp mind and leadership but also for her warmth, humor, and the way she made everyone around her feel seen, valued, and loved.
She is preceded in death by her parents, Julius Clinton "Clint" Robertson, Jr. and Rose Marie "Penny" Robertson; brothers Julius Clinton "Robbie" Robertson, III and William Gary "Gary" Robertson.
She is survived by her loving husband, Silvino "Sal" Compann; daughters Angela Caruso Phillips (and husband Douglas Mathew Phillips of Columbus, GA), Stephanie Caruso Conkle, and Christina Nichole Caruso; grandchildren Austin Bailey Dean, Emily Rose Dean, Sarah France Conkle, Cameron Joseph Conkle, and Abigail Marie Conkle; sisters Suzanne "Penny" Robertson (and husband James Eugene "Jim" Robertson of Las Vegas, NV) and Holly Ann Robertson Levey (and husband David Palmer Levey, Sr. of Fairhope, AL); and many beloved nieces and nephews.
Julie's legacy of brilliance, courage, and compassion will live on through the countless lives she touched - as a leader, mentor, wife, mother, sister, grandmother, and friend.
"She lived with courage, laughed with joy, and loved with all her heart. Her spirit will forever be our greatest inheritance."
A memorial service honoring her life will be held on Sunday, November 16th 2:00 PM at Davis-Struempf Funeral Home Chapel. The family will receive friends before the service from 1-2 PM.
Flowers are accepted, or in lieu of flowers donations can be made in Julie's name to Rivertown Church Ripples Outreach Team. They will put together Thanksgiving Food Baskets for those in need & Christmas Essential items. Backpacks for the Homeless donations can be made at https://Rivertown.com https://rivertownchurch.churchcenter.com/giving
For those who would like to send flowers, the family requests orders be made with Mike Whittle Designs in order to coordinate with family flowers. https://www.kmikewhittledesigns.com