Julie Sessions Austin
“Julie” Austin, of Milford, MI, was born August 19, 1955 to Rex and the late Elizabeth (Betsy) Sessions in Rutland, Vermont, died April 27, 2012. Julie was a member of Plymouth Congregational Church and a choir member for many years. She was a 1973 graduate of J. W. Sexton High School, and earned her B.A. Degree from Stephens College in Columbia, MO. She was employed by Channel 50 in Detroit for 20 years, and later was the banquet manager for the Country Club of Lansing. Julie loved theater, cooking, gardening, and her family—particularly family gatherings.
She is survived by her son, Patrick Austin of Milford; her daughter, Jordan (Tom) Brushfield of Melbourne, Australia; her father, Rex E. Sessions; siblings, sister Elizabeth (Lisa) Lang and husband David of Columbia, MO, brother Rex L. Sessions and wife Barbara of Chicago, IL; and numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins.
A Memorial Service will be held at Plymouth Congregational Church, 2001 E. Grand River, Lansing, at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, May 5, 2012 with The Rev. Joy A. Baumgartner and The Rev. David T. Bandfield officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made in Julie’s name to Plymouth Congregational Church.
9 Messages to “Julie Sessions Austin”
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Jane Brushfield
April 29, 2012 at 6:33 pmMy sincere sympathy to Jordon and Patrick, and Julie’s extended family members at this sad time.
love Jane
Jerry Ruhno
April 29, 2012 at 6:45 pmI was so sad to hear about Julie. I remember her from growing up in Plymouth Church and still remember her in South Pacific back at Sexton.
Jim and Chris Davis
April 30, 2012 at 10:38 amWe wished we could find the right words to help you all get through this very difficult time. We hope it helps to know that you are in our thoughts and prayers. If we can do anything to help, you know where to call.
Love,
Aunt Chris and Uncle Jim
Aunt Carol and Uncle Bob
April 30, 2012 at 12:31 pmDear Pat and Jordy,
We are so sorry to hear about your Mom and we hope that knowing that we care for you very much will help you get through this difficult time. Of course you are in our prayers and thoughts but be asssured that your mom is not suffering any more and now she can enjoy the peacefuless of heaven.
Love,
Aunt Carol and Uncle Bob. Shawn and Pat
Julia Spina-Kilar
May 1, 2012 at 7:20 pmI remember Julie from The Farmington Players. She was always such a joy to be around. I cannot even imagine how much her family will miss her…the world has lost a very dear person.
George and Marilyn Nugent
May 4, 2012 at 5:33 pmRex and family, we were so sorry to hear of your loss of Julie. We were able to know her when she was working at the Lansing Country Club and learn what a delightful and talented person she was. This has been such a sad year for the Sessions family.
Our deepest sympathy. Our thoughts and prayers are for you.
Dodie Atkins
May 5, 2012 at 12:14 amKnow that our thoughts and prayers are with you at this time – Love to all of you.
Sue Rogers, Phil Hadley & The Farmington Players
May 5, 2012 at 3:33 pmJust returned from Julie’s memorial. What a fitting tribute! The remembrances from her childhood friend and other family members deeply touched our hearts. Just wanted you to know that Julie is still remembered so fondly at The Farmington Players where she lit up our stage in late 1970’s and early 80’s. She had the lead of Tracy Lord in The Philadelphia Story and went on to dance chorus in South Pacific, but her biggest claim to Farmington Players’ fame was her fabulous rendition of Babe Williams in Pajama Game. Julie played a spirited union organizer and mesmerized audiences with her hauntingly romantic version of Hey There. Julie will be remembered for more than her sparkling on-stage presence; her warm heart and extremely generous spirit remain with many of us. To quote Katherine Hepburn in The Philadelphia Story, ”My, she was yar!*** Another selection from that play seems an apt quote:
Macaulay Connor: You’re wonderful. There’s a magnificence in you, Tracy…a magnificence that comes out of your eyes, in your voice, in the way you stand there, in the way you walk. You’re lit from within, Tracy. You’ve got fires banked down in you, hearth-fires and holocausts.
Tracy Lord: I don’t seem to you made of bronze?
Macaulay Connor: No, you’re made out of flesh and blood. That’s the blank, unholy surprise of it. You’re the golden girl, Tracy. Full of life and warmth and delight. What goes on? You’ve got tears in your eyes.
Tracy Lord: Shut up, shut up. Oh, Mike. Keep talking, keep talking. Talk, will you?
***”Yar… it means, uh… easy to handle, quick to the helm, fast, bright. everything a boat should be…”
Beth White Matsuyama
September 21, 2012 at 12:45 amDear Rex,
You have my most sincere sympathy in the loss of your daughter and Betsy as well. I didn’t know either of them had passed away. I have been trying to send you an email, but it bounces back. I will try to call you later in the week. Hope all is well with you. Please contact me right away if you need anything.