Julie A. Byron – 58 – of 40 Main St., Arkport, died unexpectedly Thursday morning (May 19, 2011) at St. James Hospital, following a brief illness.
Affectionately known as “Jewels” and/or “Meme”, she was born in North Hornell on November 29, 1952, and was the daughter of Janice Ludwig and the late Neil Ludwig.
Julie grew up in Arkport and was a graduate of Arkport Central School (class of 1971). Following high school, she worked for a time as a waitress at the SunSet Inn in Hornell. For the past 28 years Julie had been employed as a food preparer and server for ACES DINING HALL on the Alfred State College Campus.
She was a member of the Arkport Presbyterian Church and was a die-hard New York Yankee fan. Her greatest joy in life was simply her family. Julie was a loving mother, devoted daughter, caring sister and fantastic grandmother who never missed a chance to attend her granddaughter’s soccer & softball games. Simply put — her family was her life!
Julie was preceded in death by her brother, Freddy Kemp who was killed in action in Viet Nam in 1968.
Surviving are 2 daughters, Amanda (Jake Hendershot) Byron of Arkport and Allison (Derek Speaker) Byron of Arkport; her mother, Janice Ludwig of Arkport; 2 brothers, James (Denise) Kemp of Conyers, GA and Mark (Lisa) Ludwig of Seattle, WA; 1 sister, Kathy Whitehurst of Covington, GA; her granddaughter, Alexandria Marian Dennis; her former husband, Dennis “Mike” Byron of Arkport; several nieces & nephews.
The family of Julie A. Byron will receive friends on Monday from 5:00 PM – 8:00 PM at the Dagon Funeral Home, 38 Church St., Hornell, NY. A Memorial Service will be held on Tuesday at 11:00 AM at the Arkport Presbyterian Church with Rev. Steve Jewell officiating.
Julie’s family request that memorial contributions in her name be made to Arkport Junior Baseball, C/O Fred Kemp Memorial field. PO Box 16, Arkport, NY 14807 or to the Alexandria Dennis College Fund, C/O Amanda Byron, 14 East Ave., Arkport, NY 14807. Memorial forms will be available at the Dagon Funeral Home.
Our thoughts and prayers are with Julie’s family during this difficult time. We have known Julie for many years and what a truly wonderful lady she is. We have had the pleasure of being involved with Arkport Junior Baseball for twenty years, and then during Hornell Dodger games when our son, Shawn and Derek played baseball together, at these events she was always there to cheer on her own and everyone elses kids as well. She truly is a family first person and know that she will be missed by all who knew her. What a great person Julie is and the world will be missing out now that she is in a better place.
My family and I extend our condolences to the family. Every single one of my family members looked forward to seeing Julie when we come home to visit my mother on leave and enjoyed swinging from the tree that shared their property. The good conversation and company were always enjoyed. Julie was a true and dear friend to my mom and will be greatly missed. Love you Julie. The Edwards Family, Sam, Sarah, Keaston, Kennidy, and Camden.
Regrets that I could not attend services to pay my respects. Julie helped me through some hard times and was a great listener with a positive attitude! She was a good person.
Prayers and sympathies to her girls and her siblings… and especially to Janice… no mother should have to endure what you have, especially twice. I ask Yah’s comfort from above to help you through these dark days.
Blessings,
Marianne Matacale.
My thoughts and condolences go out to the entire family. What a sad day for all who knew Julie. My late husband knew her many more years than I did, and the few years I knew her she was always a lot of fun, and outgoing to everyone. And, always very kind to me.
I pray that her family’s memories will help sustain them in the days to come. After all, memories are the lovely visions of our loved ones come to life in our hearts.
Amanda & family~we are so sorry for your loss. Know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. Love, Karen & Brett
MAY YOU REST IN PEACE JULIE.GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY
A FRIEND ALWAYS
BOBBY EVELAND
Julie had one of those bright smiles that always made me feel good no matter what the day was like. She was such a pleasant person to talk to in the dining hall. We will miss her.
Our condolences to the Byron family. Julie was the kindest woman. She always had a smile for everyone she saw. It lit up the room. You now have a beautiful angel to watch over you and carry you through this time of sadness. I wanted to let you know that your mom touched many people in many different ways. I see her in both of her daughters and her granddaughter. She will live on in our hears and memories.
Peace be with you all.
Susan, Rick, Casey and Maddie Wellington
Although I left Alfred State a number of years ago, Julie is one of those personalities and smiles that I’ll always remember. She was a wonderful presence and public face for ACES, and provided students with some sunshine no matter how bad the day was.
I hope that the thoughts and prayers of Julie’s many friends helps all of you deal with this painful loss.
I knew Julie from when I attended Alfred State College. She was one of my favorate Dining people. She and I would always smile and laugh and joke with each other. When I lost my great grandmother during my first year she was one to help comfort me. I am very saddened to have lost a great friend and mentor. God Bless you Julie and I am sorry i couldn’t be at your calling hours or funeral. Have fun up in heaven, we know you will be watching. To Julies family, i am sorry for your loss.