Julia Mayne Vandenberg

Julia Mayne Vandenberg passed away on Sunday, February 7, 2016 at her home in Kingwood, TX. She was born on Galveston Island, September 20, 1939. She was a graduate of Opelousas High School in Opelousas, LA where she lived with her aunt and uncle, Miemae and Louis Desselle, who predeceased her. She was preceded in death by her daughter, Tracy Ann Batton, her mother, Grace Pearson; stepfather, Ed Pearson; her father, Robert Hawkins and her husband, Russell Mayne.

Julia is survived by her husband of 29 years, Don Vandenberg of Kingwood, TX; a sister, Patricia Cox of Little Rock, AR; two sons, Peter (Claudia) Batton of Katy, TX ; Colin Mayne of Lafayette, LA; her step-daughter Kay (Raymond) Fang of Baltimore, MD; her step-son, Gordon Vandenberg, of CA; her grandchildren, Rachel Guidry Whittle of Lafayette, LA, Natalie Batton and Michael Batton of Katy, TX, and Lexi, Sophie, and Ben Fang of Baltimore, MD and a great-granddaughter, Addie Whittle, of Lafayette, LA.

Julia had a beautiful singing voice and was a member of the St. Landry Parish Yamettes (1957), who were good will ambassadors that represented the Yam Industry in St. Landry Parish in Opelousas, LA. She and her husband, Don lived primarily in Texas over the last 29 years, with a two and half year stint in Jakarta, Indonesia. She loved traveling with Don, visiting family members. She brought joy to her family, participating in weddings, christenings, graduations, sporting events, and holiday functions. Her beautiful smile was enough to light up any room and will be remembered with much love by her family. A memorial service was held at noon on Tuesday, February 16, 2016 in the Gazebo of Darst Funeral Home with a reception following. For more information on the life of Julia, to sign the online register book and to leave your condolences and fond memories with the family please visit DarstFuneralHome.com