Julie Denise Kelso

Julie Denise Kelso, age 46 of Round Rock, formerly of Gonzales was called to heaven by our Father after a tumultuous fight with covid, on Friday September 10, 2021.  Julie came into this world with her big blue eyes at St. David's hospital in Austin, Texas to Butch and Nancy Jackson on March 13, 1975. Julie was the first child for Butch and Nancy and they were overjoyed. She was the first grandchild on both sides of the family as well. Julie was loved beyond belief from day one.

Julie is survived by her husband of 25 years, Brandon Kelso, her children Jackson, Carson, and Kylie, parents Nancy and Butch Jackson, sister Jill, brother Bryan, father-in-law James (Jim) Kelso and Loretta, brother-in law Shannon Kelso, brother-in-law Kevin Kelso and sister-in-law Tammy Bell and husband Keith, and many nephews and nieces on both sides. She is preceeded in death by her grandparents Berthold Z.  and Eva K. Jackson, grandparents Edwin and Emily Barta, mother-in-law Dee Kelso, sister-in-law Mary Kelso, and cousin Kevin Kruzic.

Julie attended Gonzales High School and graduated in 1993. While in school she was a member of the Mighty Apache Band flag corp and had many friends. Through her many friends she met Brandon Kelso. Brandon and Julie had their first date at their Senior Prom where sparks were beginning to ignite. After high school Julie attended Southwest Texas State University in San Marcos where she recieved her degree in Early Childhood Development, while Brandon went to The University of Texas in Austin. The two loved each other and wrote letters back and forth throughout their two years of dating. After two years of dating Brandon knew Julie was the one he could wake up to forever, so he showed up at her apartment and asked her to marry him. She obivously said yes without a doubt! They were married August 10, 1996 in a beautiful ceremony in Gonzales with all of their family and friends in attendance.

Julie used her degree to get her first job in Austin, where they moved after graduation, at Prodigy.  Prodigy was the first place she worked after graduation, and the first place that confirmed children were going to be a huge part of her life. She was a teacher to classrooms of children who quickly named her Mrs. JuJu and she was so loved there. Julie had a gift of creating friendships with everyone she met. Honestly she never met a stranger. She had a way about her that made you feel so comfortable that before you knew it you would be telling her your life's story on her couch and she'd be praying with you. While working at Prodigy Julie and Brandon got the exciting news she was expecting her first child, Jackson. Julie decided after having her first son that her time would be better spent at home raising him and making room for other littles. Good thing she and Brandon made that decision because soon after Jackson was born they welcomed their second child Carson, then along came their third Kylie.  Their family was complete.

Julie introduced Christ to each of her children from a very young age, baptizing each of them into the Catholic Church as babies. Her faith, next to family was her entire life.

Julie was a member of St. William Catholic Church in Round Rock, where she was a Religious Education Teacher.  Not only did she bring Christ into the light for other peoples children, she also taught his word to all three of her own children through the church. She was an active member of the JCDA (Junior Catholic daughters of America). In the JDCA, Julie and Kylie were able to spend tons of time together volunteering and helping others grow their faith. She looked forward to helping others when ever she could.

Meals Ministry for Priests was another one of Julies volunteer7 opportunities. She would prepare meals for the priests at St. William Church, and they truly looked forward to her savory treats! Julie was a member of the CRHP program (weekend retreat for church) where she made so many life long friends. Julie and her boys were part of the YMSL (young men's service league) which is an organization where mothers and their sons participate in acts of service which benefit their communities. Julie, Jackson and Carson put in over 100 hours of commitment to YMSL and were taught the importance of spending time together to do good things.

JuJu had an at home daycare for 20+ years at her comfy home. She  brought approximately forty different children into her life over the years and helped them read, write, and respect one another. Her daycare was run like a fine tuned fiddle, each child a note in the most beautiful song. The children were extended family to her and Brandon's family and she loved all of them as if they were her own.  If a spot opened because one of her kids was headed for kindergarten, that place was quickly snatched up by an anxiously awaiting parent. Julie was an immeasurable contribution to her daycare family and without her now may Christ bring them comfort.

Most of her activites or volunteer events had a connection to God and friendship. So many people called upon Julie for guidance and advice because her devotion to God was so pure and unbending. There was God's way, and Julie's way which was virtually the same thing. Julie could  translate the bible in such a way that it could make you look forward to the next bible study. There are not enough things each of us can say to explain how amazing she was. Her legacy will live on in each of us.  She will never be forgotten and I'm sure twenty, fifty, a hundred years from now people will know her name.  Julie Denise Kelso was truly a blessing to this world and her life lived with us was the greatest gift. Her last words were: "God is good, all the time, all the time God is good. Mother Mary keep me close under your mantel. Jesus I trust in you!"

Visitation was held in Beck Funeral Home, Austin, TX, on Wednesday, September 15, 2021 from 5 pm- 7 pm with a Rosary following at 7:00 p.m. Funeral Mass will be in St Williams Catholic Church on Thursday, September 16, 2021 at 10:00 am.