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Holmes mourns loss of beloved instructor, Julie Tipton
On the morning of Monday, April 16, Holmes Community College lost beloved Associate Degree Nursing (ADN) instructor Julie Ann Parrett Tipton. The 33-year-old Grenada Campus instructor passed away at her residence following a battle with cancer.
"While we knew the time was close at hand, we are still heartbroken for having lost a very special part of our Holmes family," said Holmes Human Resources Director Julia Brown.
Julie had a final scripture selected that she wanted to share with those who have followed her through her journey with cancer.
"I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing." – 2 Timothy 4:7-8.
"So many of you have witnessed her strength and determination during her illness and have followed and supported her and her family through this journey," Brown said.
Born Aug. 14, 1984 to Timothy and Marysue Cooper Parrett of Kilmichael, Julie was a devoted wife to her husband, David Devonn Tipton III, and a loving mother to her three children: Cooper Hayes, Anna Kate and Ava Klaire. She was also close to her parents, her brother, Hunter Parrett, and his wife, Katie.
A lifelong learner, Julie continued her studies even after she became a nursing instructor at Holmes. She was pursuing her Ph.D. in Nursing Administration from William Carey University all the while remaining dedicated to her students in Grenada. Despite Julie's incredibly busy schedule, she always made time for friends, family and service to her church.
"My friendship with Julie spans many years," said Bethany Miller, administrative assistant to the vice president and academic dean on the Grenada Campus. "In my opinion, Julie's greatest quality was that she always gave all she had in everything she did. If Julie had a dream, she went for that dream no matter what it took.
"Many people were amazed by Julie's tenacity as she fought cancer, raised three beautiful children, served as a faithful wife to her husband of 13 years, played many roles in her church-The Pentecostals of Grenada and held a
full-time job, all while completing her master's degree and beginning a doctoral program. Becoming a nursing instructor at Holmes was her greatest career dream and I am so thankful she was able to live out that dream before she passed.
"Julie fought the good fight and finished this race of life with faith and love. She has left a legacy for her family and friends that will never be forgotten. Holmes is a better place because of Julie Parrett Tipton."
A service to celebrate her life was held on April 19 at the Pentecostals of Grenada. Rev. Michael Cooper, Rev. Damon Tipton and Rev. David Tipton officiated the ceremony, while Dr. LaWanda Herron, director of nursing a Holmes, offered comments during the service.
"Julie was a wonderful, sweet person," Dr. Herron said. "She was a vibrant soul, full of determination and tenacity. And right up until she became less able to get around, she was full of joy while trying to create as many memories as possible with her family and friends. I believe Julie's greatest quality was her ability to make the best of everything and to face problems head on. She was a proud woman who did not back down from a fight.
"Julie never realized that she taught me so much. With her unwavering faith, positive attitude, grit and refusal to give up, she taught everyone around her so much. Julie was a faithful warrior. Julie loved life. Julie greeted everyone with a smile and a friendly word. She especially made students feel important, that they mattered. This was no act. Julie, with her tender soul, did care. It was who she was. Despite her own struggles and vulnerabilities, she continue to give so much heart and soul to each encounter. She put others' needs ahead of her own, soothed their pains first before caring for herself.
"Julie was there for her family, friends, peers, patients and students and touched their lives in meaningful and unforgettable ways. She was a valued faculty member at Holmes Community College who always went out of her way to be nice to everyone. We still remember her frequent laughs and smiles, and appreciate her efforts to connect with everyone. She knew words carry meaning and chose her words carefully to avoid causing anyone pain, directly or inadvertently. She was a trusted confidant that could protect a friendship and keep a secret. She was sunshine and light, a beacon in a storm."
Julie was one of the many Holmes alumni who return home to work at their alma mater. Grenada Academic Dean Dr. Myra Harville fondly remembers teaching Julie and watching her blossom as an instructor.
"I remember the very shy girl that Julie was as a student in my class and then watched her as a nursing instructor where she overcame that shyness," Dr. Harville said. "But my favorite memories of Julie are from watching as she and Devonn grew into a strong love while students here. From working with them on projects in the library to Phi Theta Kappa honor society, it was fun to watch them as that love blossomed.
"In the past few months, Julie has shown such strength of character and faith that she has been a role model to people of all ages. Her smiling face and half and half Sonic tea addiction will certainly be missed."
Those who wish to honor Julie's memory can direct memorials to the Julie Tipton Memorial Fund at www.ThePOG.cc and express online condolences to the family at www.mckibbenandguinn.com.
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IN THIS PHOTO: Pictured is Julie Ann Parrett Tipton, a Holmes Community College associate degree nursing instructor on the Grenada Campus who passed away on April 16.
