Julie Shinn

Julie Renee Shinn
Julie Renee Shinn stepped over the threshold between this life and the next to enter into the loving arms of her Father In Heaven on Monday, Sept. 19, 2011 at home in Tooele, Utah. In doing so, she leaves behind countless loved ones and friends who have been inspired and uplifted by her unselfish love, service and devotion. Julie was born June 15, 1964 in Fairfax, Va., the fourth child of Barry Edward Blacka and Emma Catherine Pritt. She was raised in Northern Virginia and attended Fairfax County Schools, graduating in 1982 from Oakton High School in Vienna, Va. Julie went on to college at BYU, and then served a full-time mission in the Colorado, Denver Mission. Upon returning from her mission, she worked for a while and then went back to BYU and finished her bachelor of science degree in August 1991.

After several years of Julie throwing hints, being a friend, baking numerous cookies and brownies, and then throwing even stronger hints, Steven Carl Shinn finally realized what he had right under his nose, and they were finally married in the Jordan River Temple on March 2, 1996. From this union, a daughter Emelie Christine was born on May 19, 1999.

Julie was at heart, a true sports fan, with a particular interest in NFL and college football. It was more entertaining seeing Julie watch a game than it was watching the game itself. She knew every call, hand-motion, player and statistic there was. She was a particular fan of BYU sports and the Washington Redskins football team.

A kind and compassionate person, Julie radiated acceptance, love and friendship to all those who met her. Through the years, she served in the LDS Church as Young Women’s President as well as Relief Society President where she touched and influenced many lives because of her special way of reaching people. She was, indeed, a person most worthy of emulation in every way.

Although Julie held several jobs during her working career, her favorite position was that of part-time secretary at East Elementary School in Tooele. She loved her co-workers, but most of all she loved the children she was able to work with. They loved her back and she was always uplifted from their unselfish love.

Julie is survived by her husband Steve; daughter Emelie; father Barry (Lorayne); brothers Barry II and Brian (Kim); sisters Annamarie Duff (Murray), Rebecca Odiorne (Jim), and Elena Leprich; and numerous nieces, nephews and cousins.

She is preceded in death by her mother Emma Catherine Blacka; a niece (Christine Duff) and a nephew (Kevin Blacka).

A viewing will be held in Tooele at the LDS chapel located at 132 North 570 East on Friday, Sept. 23 from 6-8 p.m. The funeral service will be held at the chapel on Saturday, Sept. 24 at noon, with a viewing prior to the service from 10:30-11:45 a.m. in the Relief Society Room. Services entrusted with Didericksen Memorial 435-277-0050.

Read more: Tooele Transcript Bulletin - Julie Renee Shinn