Julia Conely

Julia Jill Norman Conely, 74, passed December 11, 2020 at her home in Clovis, New Mexico.
Julia Jill Norman Conely was born September 2, 1946 in Roscoe, Texas to Jack Edward Norman, Sr. and Evelyn Dair McQueen Norman. Her mother named her “Julia” after her Aunt Julia and “Jill” to her big brother “Jack”. She was the 3rd of 4 siblings. She moved numerous times in her life to places such as Phoenix, Arizona, Hobbs, New Mexico, Pharr, Hebbronville, Burleson, Cleburne, Fort Worth, Whitney, Pampa, Texas, and finally to Clovis, New Mexico.
At the age of 7, she taught her little sister, Minnie Ann, who was born with Down’s Syndrome, how to read and count. She was very close to her little sister who was two years younger than her. Sadly, Minnie Ann passed away at the age of 11 from complications of Rheumatoid Arthritis.
In school, Julia became the first female drummer in the band. She rose to 1st chair and made all-state three times. She received her letter on her jacket by placing a 1, which is the best score you can receive for drum solos in the UIL. Even at 55 years old, she could still twirl her drumsticks. Her brother Jack, Jr. was in football and she was in the band so her parents would come to all the games. One of her favorite memories was being called to the press box on the day that JFK was killed, and being asked to play the drumroll for the crowd in his honor. She said as she was playing, she looked at her parents and they were pointing and smiling, telling others, “that’s our daughter”.
Julia led a full life and became a Mom, a Grandma, Great-Grandma and Friend to all who knew her. She loved gardening and could create the best gardens full of the heartiest growth as well as a true green thumb for plants of all types. She landscaped every yard she ever lived in. Friends would often request her experience in their own yards. Julia also had a love of baking. She found peace in the kitchen as she would create some of the most creative cakes and pies you would ever see. She even made her daughter’s 3-tiered wedding cake and groom’s cake. She could do anything she put her mind to. Another hobby she enjoyed was playing her piano. She worked on one song for almost 10 years but never recorded it. She knew it by heart. She often chose careers that challenged her. She worked for Southwestern Bell, AT&T, Bell Helicopter, and even spent time as a 9-1-1 Dispatcher in Johnson County.
She is preceded in death by her husband, Joseph D. Conely; her parents, Jack Sr. and Evelyn Norman; her brother, Jack Norman, Jr.; her sisters, Minnie Ann Norman and June Hager; and her eldest son, Ronnie Hammond.
Special appreciation and thanks to Michelle Sena, as her caretaker and friend these last few weeks.
She is survived by her daughter-in-law Lori Hammond (d-Ronnie) of Cleburne, Texas; her son, Troy Don Hammond (Janelle) of Clovis, New Mexico; her daughter, Kelly Wakeman (David) of Burleson, Texas; her son, Jonathan Hammond (Jennifer) of Pampa, Texas; Stepsons, Eric Wilson (Ranea) of Coffeyville, Kansas; David Wilson (Monique) of Virginia Beach, Virginia; Steve Conely of Garland, Texas; Stepdaughter, Lynnette Abbey (Greg) of Mesquite, Texas; Blessed with 29 Grandchildren, 16 Great-Grandchildren and numerous Nieces and Nephews.

Visitation will be held from 11:00am-1:00pm, Thursday, December 17 at Lucas & Blessing Funeral Home in Burleson, Texas. A graveside service will follow at Marystown Cemetery at 2:00pm.