Julia Laraine George

George,

Julia LaRaine

Norton Shores, Michigan

Mrs. Julia George, age 87, passed away peacefully in her home surrounded by family. She was born in Muskegon to Glenn and Irene (Mullennix) Bailey. While inquiring about renting a house with her sister, she had no idea she was talking to her future mother-in-law. She asked about Tom who resided there. His friends Irv and Jim, afraid of losing him to marriage, told her he was "rotten to the core." She married him anyway on July 6, 1956. She began singing at the age of 9, and at the age of 16 she began a lifelong singing career with John Wheeler as her mentor and vocal coach. She was the leading role as a soprano in The King and I, Carousel, and The Merry Widow. Julia was a resident of Muskegon and performed with The Chamber Choir, The Lansing Oratorio Society, The Grand Haven Chamber Choir, The West Shore Symphony, and Civic Opera. She was well known in her community as a soloist for many weddings, funerals, and church services. Julia was a member of the Peninsula Poets and was a member, treasurer, editor, mentor, and judge of The Poetry Society of Michigan. She was a past president of the Writers of Muskegon. She was also a published author. Julia worked as an optician assistant and administrative assistant at Muskegon Tool, Sealed Power, and Hy-Lift. Julia had a love for church so much that as a child she would walk to whatever church was close enough to attend. As an adult, she attended First Congregational Church, where she was in the motet choir, and later, Central Lutheran Church. She taught her children the love of animals by owning gerbils, dogs, cats, horses and a variety of other animals throughout the years. Julie is survived by four beautiful children. LaRaine (Terry) Kiel, Kathy (Jeff) Harris, Melissa (Chris Huber) Wallstead, and Ben George. She had 12 beloved grand children. Jenny Borushko, Jacob Kiel, Thomas (Jessica) Stariha, Nicholas Kiel, Jennifer (Doug) Harris, Natalie (Noah) Rufener, Jessica (Corey) Parmalee, Hillary (Brian) Roberson, Daniel Wallstead, Mandy (Jake) Robbins, and Ryan George. Julia has 24 great grand children. She is also survived by brother John (Candice) Bailey, brother Bill (Ann) Crow, sister Pam (Mark) Banyas, sister Earla Troth. She was preceded in death by her parents Glenn and Irene Bailey, sister Delores Tewksbury, brother Ron Crow, husband Tom George, sister Janice (John) Pershing, son-in-law James Wallstead and grandson Jonny Stariha. The family is so grateful for the loving care from her friend and caregiver Judi Rottman, caregiver Joni Bellanger, Muskegon Harbor Hospice, and spiritual support from Pastor Carlos Ramos. The family will be having a private service with Pastor Ramos officiating. The family would appreciate your consideration of gifts made out to The Poetry Society of Michigan, c/o Susan Herman, PSM Treasurer, P.O. Box 1035, Cadillac, MI 49601.

Poem For A Poet

By Grandson Daniel Wallstead

My grandmother Julie

Was many things to many people

And so I wanted to explain in detail

Why for me, she had no equal

She was part of a family of six

Who moved all around

But they eventually settled

In a small Michigan town

With husband Tom by her side

She raised three daughters and a son

Their own American dream

Slowly worked for and won

She understood beauty

And practiced grace

She approached many a situation

With a smile on the face

She had a love for music

And passion for poetry too

Consider yourself lucky

If she wrote one about you

Her voice soared like an angel

As she recited many a song

Did it have any limit?

She did not hit notes wrong

But not just poems or songs

There were paintings and more

As she stretched ink to its limits

On canvases galore

With many strong opinions

But an ever open mind

She spoke her beliefs

While remaining caring and kind

She took her faith seriously

And as she pressed on through life

The Lord was always there

For comfort in times of strife

Although she has found eternal peace

She isn't truly gone

As those of us who loved her

Remember her well from now on