Julie Ann Thomas Dennis

Julie Ann Thomas Dennis, lovingly known as “Ju-Dann,” was born on July 6, 1952, in Franklin, Louisiana (St. Mary’s Parish) to Lil Sue Green Thomas and Earlie Thomas Jr., and died on May 5, 2026, in Houston, TX. In the mid-to-late 1950s, her father moved the family, including his wife Lil, Julie and her brothers Darinell Thomas and Warren Theo Thomas, to Waterloo, Iowa, joining relatives who had migrated from the South in search of greater opportunities and a better life.

Julie attended Waterloo Public Schools, completing her elementary and middle school education before graduating from East High School in 1970. At an early age, Julie gave her life to Christ and was baptized in 1961. She became a devoted member of Union Missionary Baptist Church, where she actively served in the choir. Known affectionately as “Baby Mahalia,” Julie’s rich, soulful alto-tenor voice left a lasting impression on all who heard her sing. Music was deeply woven into the fabric of the Thomas family, and Julie’s unforgettable voice glorified God and touched countless hearts.

Following high school, Julie attended the University of Northern Iowa beginning in June 1970, where she met the love of her life, Kenneth Ray Collins. Their bond was undeniable. During this exciting chapter, Kenneth pledged Omega Psi Phi Fraternity, Inc., while Julie proudly embraced her role as an Omega Pearl. Julie’s musical gifts continued to flourish as she performed in nightclubs and venues across the Midwest, even sharing stages with renowned artists such as Gladys Knight and the Pips.

In May 1976, Julie enlisted in the United States Army. Though her military service was brief due to pregnancy, she transitioned with determination into nursing school following her honorable discharge. Julie became a nurse in 1977, dedicating her life to compassionate patient care in Waterloo, Iowa. That same year, in May 1977, she welcomed her only child, Keneisha Thomas-Collins.

Three years later, Julie relocated to Houston, Texas, where she married Kenneth Ray Collins and continued building her remarkable nursing career as an LVN. A true trailblazer, Julie founded and operated her own nursing agency, employing over 15 nurses and healthcare providers to deliver exceptional patient care. Her professional excellence led her to work alongside respected figures such as Dr. Red Duke in the Houston Medical Center.

Julie’s passion for nursing endured for decades. She faithfully served patients until the age of 72, concluding her extraordinary career by working side-by-side with her daughter as a contract nurse for her daughter’s home health agency, Victorious Medical Services, LLC. Her commitment to serving others was reflected throughout her life as a nurse, mother, entrepreneur, and woman of faith.

Julie was a faithful and devoted member of The Church at Bethel’s Family, under the leadership of Pastor Walter August, Sr., since 2009 in Houston, TX. She faithfully served in the church choir and as a dedicated member of the Nursing Board within the church. Julie loved to sing and praise the Lord with her beautiful voice, joyfully lifting up the name of Jesus. Her love for God was evident in her worship, her service, and the kindness she showed to others.

Julie was a devoted mother, daughter, sister, grandmother, and great-grandmother and friend. As the eldest of three siblings, she embraced her role with boldness and pride. She lived life unapologetically, full of laughter, honesty, strength, and fire. Julie never met a stranger, loved to sing, dance, and speak her mind, and was always prepared to stand firmly in her truth.

As a mother, Julie was exceptional. She raised her daughter, Keneisha, primarily on her own after the age of six, instilling discipline, resilience, and excellence. Her influence shaped Keneisha into a trailblazing nurse, entrepreneur, educator, and leader in healthcare. Julie was not only Keneisha’s mother, but she was also her hero, her inspiration, and her everything.

Julie spent her final days surrounded by the love and care of her daughter, son-in-law, grandchildren, and great-granddaughter until the Lord called her home.

She leaves to cherish her memory: her loving daughter, Professor Keneisha S. Thompson (Eric T. Thompson) of Houston, Texas; Grandchildren, Lexington Warren-Darinell Parker, Ivory Yvonne Parker, Tyreese Thompson, Exavier Thompson, Christian Thompson, and Isaiah Thompson; Great-granddaughter, Legacie M-D Edwards; Aunts Maggie (Joel) Elliott, Ada (Garland) Osbourne, Rose (Rev. William) Perkins, and Caroline Loveless; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, dear friends in Texas and Iowa, and loved ones all around the world. She lived out loud and will never be forgotten! She was preceded in death by father, Rev. Earlie Thomas Jr. originally of Durant, Mississippi; mother, Lil Sue Green Thomas originally of Franklin, Louisiana; brothers, Rev. Darinell Thomas and Rev. Warren Theo Thomas; several beloved cousins, aunts, and uncles from Waterloo, Iowa, and Franklin, Louisiana; two lost pregnancies in 1979 and 1985. Julie was deeply proud of her roots in both Waterloo, Iowa, and Franklin, Louisiana, and carried her love for family, faith, and service throughout her life.

Special Acknowledgment. The family extends heartfelt gratitude to her devoted caregivers: Mrs. Eucharia Ajuzie, Mrs. Iyabo Badmus, and Mrs. Bernadine Osuagwu, whose compassion, dedication, and companionship brought comfort and support to Julie throughout her final days.

Thank you to all family and friends for your prayers and contributions. We love you all.

Homegoing celebration for Julie will be Saturday, May 30, 2026, at Mt. Carmel Missionary Baptist Church, 805 Adams St, Waterloo, at 1:00 PM with a time of visitation for one hour prior to the service. Memorials should be directed to the family. Online condolences may be expressed at www.lockefuneralservices.com.