Julia Janet Juarez

Julia Janet Juarez, a devoted mother, beloved wife, and lifelong dancer, passed away peacefully at her home on Wednesday, February 19, 2025, at the age of 84.

Born in Los Angeles, California, Julia was the daughter of the late Louis C. Juarez (1915–2005) of Arizona and Lupe Josephine Ybarra (1917–1998) of Mexico. She spent her childhood in Hawthorne, California, where she attended school.

Julia was a proud and caring mother to two sons, Marcus (born August 1, 1961) and Ruben Cisneros (born September 24, 1959). In 1965, Julia met the love of her life, George, at McDonnell Douglas. He swept her off her feet and they married in 1969. Together, they moved from Los Angeles, California, to Texas, before eventually settling in Georgia.

Julia was a woman of many talents and passions. As a ballroom dance instructor, Julia passed the GSDTA exam and was awarded the prestigious Presidential Sports Award for Dance. Her dancing skills were unmatched, earning her numerous 1st, 2nd, and 3rd place trophies in West Coast Swing, country, and line dancing competitions. She was trained by the U.S. Open Swing Champions and became an expert in multiple dance forms, including West Coast Swing, country two-step, Latin dances, and ballroom.

From 1974 to 2006, Julia honed her craft and spent time teaching and performing. She even had the honor of instructing West Coast Swing, ballroom, line dance, and clogging until 2006. Julia performed with the Bay Area Chorus Line Tappers tap dance team and clogging groups during her time in Texas. She danced for over three decades and her experience with the Universal Unit System helped simplify the dance learning process for many. Most recently, she shared her knowledge with beginners every Monday night at the Ferguson Park Building in Warner Robins.

Julia was not only a role model for many dancers, but she was also one for her family. Julia leaves behind a family and community who will cherish her memory, and her impact on the world of dance will continue to resonate for generations to come.

In addition to her beloved husband, George Reynolds, and two sons, Marcus and Ruben Cisneros, Julia’s legacy lives on through her granddaughter, Suzan Sullivan (45), her great-grandchildren, Kaitlyn (25) and Taylor (22), and her great-great-grandchildren, including James (22 months) and one expected in July. “God is Good.”

A visitation with Julia’s family and friends will be held on Saturday, March 15, 2025, from 11:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m. at McCullough Funeral Home. A graveside funeral service will follow at 12:00 p.m. in Parkway Memorial Gardens, where Julia will be laid to rest. Afterward, a celebration of life will take place at 2:30 p.m. at Calvary Chapel Heartland, in Fort Valley.

Go to www.mcculloughfh.com to sign the Online Registry for the family. McCullough Funeral Home and Crematory has the privilege of being entrusted with these arrangements. “Now Faith is the substance of things. Hope for, the evidence of things not seen. My life’s been full, I savored much, Family, Good friends, good times, a loved one’s touch. Perhaps my time seems to brief;

Don’t lengthen your pain with undue grief. Lift your heart and peace to thee, God wanted me now. He set me free.”