Julia Katherine Swope

Julia Katherine Swope, 60, of Bloomington, Ill., passed away and won the victory in Jesus at 3 p.m. Tuesday, July 4, 2017 with her husband and daughter by her side.

She was born on Feb. 20, 1957, in Greencastle, to James Poor and Barbara Feld.

She married Jerry Swope on May 2, 1987. He survives.

She is also survived by her beloved daughter, Stephanie (Alex) Predmore; her parents, James (Emily) and Barbara; her brothers, Stephen (Marcia Mahoney) Poor and Michael (Julie) Poor; her nieces Katie (fiancé, Ben Salk) Poor, Amy (Joseph) Crosland, Ruth Poor and Lainey Poor; and her three cherished fur babies.

Julie graduated from Greencastle High School, where she was deeply involved in band and choir, and later from Western Kentucky University, where she was proud to be a member of Phi Mu with her sorority sisters, many of whom became her lifelong friends.

Julie considered her greatest accomplishment and joy to be her daughter, Stephie, and she welcomed her son-in-law, Alex, into the family with open arms and loved him as her own -- a trait well known among all of her friends and family.

Everyone who knew Julie knew of her love for cats and beagles and of her passion for animal rescue, and she regularly volunteered with Midwest Beagle Rescue, Education and Welfare. She also enjoyed cooking and sewing, and shared her art of quilting with many.

She was a member of Riverside Community Church, where she enjoyed great fellowship and lifting her voice in praise. Her infectious smile, positive spirit and kind words of affirmation will be sorely missed by all who knew her.

Cremation rites have been accorded. Visitation will be at 10 a.m. and a celebration of life will be held at 11 a.m. on Aug. 5 at Riverside Community Church, 207 NE Monroe St., Peoria. The celebration will continue during lunch in the lower level of the church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Dream Center Peoria (dreamcenterpeoria.org) or Midwest Beagle Rescue, Education and Welfare (gotbeagles.org).

You may view Julia's obituary online at www.RemmertFunealHome.com.