J ulie Ann Lawton of Vero Beach passed away on Friday, September 1, 2023 after a brief illness. She was 70 years old.

She graduated from Northeastern Illinois University, with a B.A. in English and was awarded a Masters degree in Education from the University of Hawaii with a specialty in teaching reading. A career teacher, she taught English and other subjects at Port St Lucie High School, Forest Grove Middle School, and for a brief time at Ooltewah (Tennessee) High School, where she was highly regarded by staff and students alike.

An intrepid traveler, she especially loved the Maine coast and her adopted state of Florida.  She fulfilled a lifelong dream of traveling to Egypt in 2021, seeing the pyramids, the Valley of the Kings and Queens, and cruising the Nile River in style.

She loved wildlife and was an avid birder.   Over the years, she adopted many dogs and cats from shelters to give them a happy life and home.

A lifelong reader and student, Julie was well read on the classics, including Shakespeare and Chaucer, and particularly enjoyed romance and mystery novels.  She was active in her Pointe West community and treasured her book club friendships.

Julie is survived by the brother Gregory Lawton of Bucks County, Pennsylvania, and by Chip, her beloved Australian Cattle Dog.   She was predeceased by her parents, George H. Lawton, Jr., and Alma Lawton, of Fort Pierce, Florida.

A Celebration of Life will be held on Monday, September 18, 2023 from 5-7PM at The Pointe West Country Club Clubhouse, 7500 14th Lane, in Vero Beach. Bring smiles, no frowns!

Expressions of sympathy may be offered to the family at CoxGiffordSeawinds.com.