Julia Earline Raburn

March 23, 1935 ~ April 7, 2026

Julia (Julie) Earline Keith was born on March 23, 1935 in Robstown, Nueces County, Texas. She was the second of 3 children born to Blanchard Benjamin & Mary Eunice (Rhodes) Keith. Her sister, Billie Verne was born in 1934 and brother, Jimmie Roland was born in 1937.

Julia and her siblings were raised in the era of the Great Depression experiencing many hardships. It was the time of the New Deal programs being enacted creating jobs to build our country's infrastructure.

She certainly experienced the systemic racism prevalent in the south attending segregated schools, but never spoke of it. She shared "How hard it was for Daddy to make a living for the family".

Most of Julia's childhood was spent in Cleveland, Texas, where her father worked as a car salesman. Growing up there in the 40's & 50's, Julia became part of a new demographic of teenagers with their own culture of rock-n-roll music, sock hops, poodle skirts & soda fountains. She was graduated from Cleveland High School in 1953.

Julia married her high school sweetheart, Robbie Dee Sweet, on February 12, 1954. They settled in the railroad town of Somerville, where Robbie worked for the electric utility companies in Grimes & Burleson counties. She became a young mother, giving birth to Robbie Dee Sweet, Jr., and did life "get busy" when Dana Lea, Dona Lyn & Jimmie Don all came along within 5 years.

After 10 years of marriage, Julia & Robbie divorced and she was thrust into being a single mother struggling to provide for her children. Julia moved with the children to Cleveland where there were family and familiarity. Her eldest remembers "Momma walking home with her shoes in her hand because her feet hurt from being on them all day at her job".

Julia & her children moved back to Somerville where she got a job at Easterwood Airport in College Station. There she met "a most handsome man wearing his pilot's jacket". Julia & Paul Wayne Raburn were married on June 9, 1967 and made their home in Valley Mills, where he had grown up.

In 1974, Julia was graduated from the School of Nursing at MCC in Waco. She accomplished this while continuing to raise her children and being involved in school and church activities. When Paul became involved in the construction business, Julia focused on helping him with the design aspect of building. She had a real talent for decorating.

In 1983, Julia became a grandmother, ultimately becoming "Mamie" to 9 more grandchildren. They were her "precious ones" and she loved to plant a kiss of her favorite "orange" lipstick on their cheeks! At 1 Christmas gathering she let them all try out their new rollerblades in her house! Mamie did her best to attend her grandchildren's births, school events, graduations, weddings & other special events.

Presiding her in death were her parents, brother Jimmie (1992), sister Billie (2021), daughter Dona (2018) and husband Paul (2018).

Surviving her are her children Dee & Kathy Sweet of Colby, Kansas, Dana Young of Waco & Don Sweet of Wimberley. Her beloved grandchildren, Adam, Brandon, Patrick, Lindsey, Hannah, Ross, Haley, Laura, Molly & Crockett, 15 great grandchildren and many nieces & nephews.

Julia Raborn Memorial Video

A service will be held at the First Baptist Church in Valley Mills on Saturday, April 18, 2026 at 1:00 with visitation immediately following the service at the church.

Please join us in remembering Julia by signing our guestbook at ......

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