Julie Mitchem (December 07, 1951 - January 17, 2024)

In loving memory of
Julie Mitchem
  • December 07, 1951
  • -
  • January 17, 2024

  • Obituary
  • Sign Tribute Wall
  • Send an E-Card
  • Light a Candle
  • Photos

Obituary

Julie Ruth Mitchem, the only child of Riley and Francis Shaw, was born in Albany, Georgia on December 7, 1951. She grew up in Orlando, Florida, and attended Maynard Evans High School from 1965 to 1969. Julie is survived by her 4 children, Wendy Michelle Mitchem, Robert Lee Mitchem, Scott Michael Mitchem and Rebecca Francis Mitchem, and her four grandchildren, Cole, Noah, Tracy, and Bella. Her last 20 years were spent with her loving partner Kevin Wantje and he has been a saint in caring for her in her last days.

Julie was a self-taught businesswoman who worked for 30 years in the car business. She started her career as a receptionist at Don Mealey Chevrolet in Orlando. Over the years her responsibilities grew to a very successful career. In 2002, she moved to Punta Gorda, Florida, where she made her home for the rest of her life.

Julie loved spending time with her family, especially her four grandchildren. She was always up early to catch the sunrise and loved the outdoors. She had a passion for rescue dogs. Julie fostered many dogs on their way to finding new homes. Julie was a big patriot and loved America.  All her homes had an American Flag waiving prominently out front.  Her favorite place to visit was New York City.  Julie was also a big advocate for environmental causes and was always concerned with keeping our land and oceans clean.  Julie was always up for a day with her girlfriends going out visiting museums, gardens, and other interesting places. One of her gifts was her keen ability to match people together. She was able to introduce several couples that resulted in marriage. In fact, she introduced her son Rob to his future wife Nicole.  Lastly, her love of music was infectious, and she would always play her songs around family.

In her later years, she worked at Home Depot, where she was known for her warm smile and energetic personality.  Along the way, Julie touched the heart of countless people and loved life.

Julie died on January 17th from a short battle with Cancer under the care of Tidewell Hospice House in Port Charlotte, FL.  One of Julie’s favorite quotes was “The trouble is, you think you have time”. Per Julie’s wishes, there will be a private family memorial at later date to spread her ashes.  Her family has requested that donations in her memory be made to Ears Animal Rescue Sanctuary.


Tribute Wall

Leave a reply



Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

  1. Brenda LaReau says:
    14 Jan 2025
    Julie was a wonderful woman. Always so happy and smiling. I was her doggie setter in Port Charlotte. She was so wonderful with all her dogs. Julie will be missed dearly. RIP my beautiful friend. Prayers to her family add Kevin.

  2. Rebecca Vickery says:
    29 Jan 2024
    Praying for all of you.

  3. Wendy posted an image:
    28 Jan 2024
    My sweet Mama
    My sweet Mama

  4. Denise Scharf posted an image:
    26 Jan 2024
    Blessed to have shared so many wonderful memories with my dear friend. You were an inspiration to all who knew you. Love you forever, soul sister
    Blessed to have shared so many wonderful memories with my dear friend. You were an inspiration to all who knew you. Love you forever, soul sister

  5. Denise Scharf lit a candle:
    26 Jan 2024
    Lit since January 26, 2024 at 1:20:31 AM

  6. Vicki Harris says:
    24 Jan 2024
    Rob and family, my heart is with you during this sad time. I am so sorry to learn of your Mother's passing. My prayers are with you.

  7. Valerie Charles lit a candle:
    22 Jan 2024
    Lit since January 22, 2024 at 1:06:00 PM

  8. Wendy M. lit a candle:
    22 Jan 2024
    Lit since January 22, 2024 at 1:02:38 PM

  9. Karen Gekle lit a candle:
    22 Jan 2024
    Lit since January 22, 2024 at 1:46:35 AM

  10. Lori Curtis says:
    21 Jan 2024
    I was so sad to hear this… Clint & I were one of those couples she matched up 40 years …A bright shining light is gone from this Earth and is now shining in Heaven … We send our loving thoughts & prayers to her family ♥️

  11. Kevin Dillow lit a candle:
    21 Jan 2024
    Lit since January 21, 2024 at 1:18:15 AM

  12. Michelle Valdes says:
    19 Jan 2024
    Julie was the sunshine when you walked in the door at the Home Depot in Punta Gorda. If you need help with plants, you would see Julie. She made you smile, and she made you see the best of every day. She will be missed very much.

  13. Michelle Valdes lit a candle:
    19 Jan 2024
    Lit since January 19, 2024 at 1:23:12 PM

  14. Lori Large lit a candle:
    19 Jan 2024
    Lit since January 19, 2024 at 1:10:31 PM

  15. Jane Michalak lit a candle:
    19 Jan 2024
    Lit since January 19, 2024 at 1:52:58 PM

  16. Jean Dumouochel lit a candle:
    19 Jan 2024
    Lit since January 19, 2024 at 1:14:44 PM

  17. Doris Sauer says:
    19 Jan 2024
    To Julie’s Family,
    From all the remarks about your mom/grandma she was a very special lady. She made everyone her friend and brought light to the world! She will be missed by many, but her memory can live on through people following her positive and caring ways❤️❤️

  18. Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce says:
    19 Jan 2024
    You will be greatly missed by all at the Punta Gorda Chamber of Commerce. Your smile and sense of humor brought joy to many.

  19. sherry kellner lit a candle:
    19 Jan 2024
    Lit since January 19, 2024 at 1:21:05 AM

  20. sherry kellner says:
    19 Jan 2024
    She will always be Miss Suzy Sunshine!!! Lost too soon.

  21. Jenn Adams lit a candle:
    19 Jan 2024
    Lit since January 19, 2024 at 1:48:46 AM

  22. Sally says:
    19 Jan 2024
    So sorry to hear of Julie‘s passing. John and I first met her through Gulf Coast Golden Retriever Resucue. Always had a smile on her face and the sweetest person! Hugs to the Mitchem family and Kevin!

  23. Sally Murphy lit a candle:
    19 Jan 2024
    Lit since January 19, 2024 at 1:12:35 AM

  24. Tyler Staley says:
    19 Jan 2024
    Aunt Julie is an amazing woman, always seemed happy and I know she will continue to be forever! She will be smiling down and watching over her children and grandchildren for the rest of their lives. My prayers are for them and their comfort as I know she no longer needs prayers because she is at peace with those who have gone before her.

  25. Dan Caruso lit a candle:
    19 Jan 2024
    Lit since January 19, 2024 at 1:08:35 AM

  26. Jay Colling says:
    19 Jan 2024
    I’m so very saddened by this news. Julie was one of my favorite people. We met when we were working at Don Mealey Chevrolet in 1985. Julie’s smile and laugh lit up the place. What a sweet kind wonderful person. Rest in peace, Julie .

  27. Rob Mitchem posted an image:
    19 Jan 2024
    She loved our family and we are eternally grateful ❤️
    She loved our family and we are eternally grateful ❤️

  28. Kadie ann lit a candle:
    19 Jan 2024
    Lit since January 19, 2024 at 1:17:48 AM

  29. Beth Magnin lit a candle:
    18 Jan 2024
    Lit since January 18, 2024 at 1:13:22 PM

  30. Richelle Shindel says:
    18 Jan 2024
    Julie was always a bright shining star. She will be missed. Love Jason & Richelle Shindel

  31. Nathan Defreitas says:
    18 Jan 2024
    She was always such a positive person and an inspiration to be around. More than that, she was a mentor to so many of us at Saturn. She will be greatly missed.

  32. Keith Ryan posted an image:
    18 Jan 2024
    Gone to soon.
    Gone to soon.

  33. Cherie Funk lit a candle:
    18 Jan 2024
    Lit since January 18, 2024 at 1:16:21 PM

  34. Cherie Funk lit a candle:
    18 Jan 2024
    Lit since January 18, 2024 at 1:14:54 PM

  35. Jessica Frias lit a candle:
    18 Jan 2024
    Lit since January 18, 2024 at 1:04:21 PM

  36. Jeri Shibley lit a candle:
    18 Jan 2024
    Lit since January 18, 2024 at 1:01:39 PM

  37. Tanya bastinelli lit a candle:
    18 Jan 2024
    Lit since January 18, 2024 at 1:59:55 PM

  38. April Varndell lit a candle:
    18 Jan 2024
    Lit since January 18, 2024 at 1:48:04 PM

  39. Nicole Meeks-Stone lit a candle:
    18 Jan 2024
    Lit since January 18, 2024 at 1:37:36 PM

  40. Bob and Claudia Hults says:
    18 Jan 2024
    Ever since Nicole met Julie's son Rob , she was a force to be reckoned with. She was always involved and happy when all of us got together.
    For the last 30 years she was the head cheerleader for multiple generations! It just won't be the same without her.

  41. Heidi rhoad lit a candle:
    18 Jan 2024
    Lit since January 18, 2024 at 1:22:59 PM

  42. Stephen Hartley lit a candle:
    18 Jan 2024
    Lit since January 18, 2024 at 1:50:25 PM

  43. Diana Barger-Hunt lit a candle:
    18 Jan 2024
    Lit since January 18, 2024 at 1:35:20 PM

  44. Wayne Farrell lit a candle:
    18 Jan 2024
    Lit since January 18, 2024 at 1:29:39 PM

  45. Edie Chamberlin lit a candle:
    18 Jan 2024
    Lit since January 18, 2024 at 1:19:11 PM

  46. Shunda lit a candle:
    18 Jan 2024
    Lit since January 18, 2024 at 1:02:38 PM

  47. Gail Billings says:
    18 Jan 2024
    Rest in peace beautiful lady.

  48. Carla Hennings says:
    18 Jan 2024
    With love

  49. George and Ellen Huber says:
    18 Jan 2024
    Julie was the most positive person we have ever known. Her light shines on. We are so grateful to have known her for many years and equally grateful for the love and attention she gave to our favorite breed, the Golden Retriever. Our hearts, thoughts and prayers go out to all her loving family at a time of such great loss. Julie, you will be missed!

  50. Sherry McMahon lit a candle:
    18 Jan 2024
    Lit since January 18, 2024 at 1:29:46 PM

Send an E-Card

Please select an e-card

    Required fields are marked *
     

    Note: The code below resets with every submit of the form
    captcha