Julie Lynn Fordham's Obituary
Big Rapids - Julie L. Fordham, 59, of Big Rapids, passed away Tuesday, December 25, 2018, at her residence.
She was born September 13, 1959, in Muskegon, the daughter of Richard and Emilie (Vanas) Jespersen, and graduated from Reeths-Puffer High School. Julie then earned both her Bachelor's and Master's Degrees in Education from Grand Valley University.
Julie served as an elementary educator and adjunct professor. Over her decades of service and dedication, part of it was to the Native Americans of Sault Ste. Marie. She also spent one year as an administrator to the Native American Student Population of Suttons Bay. Moving to Big Rapids 12 years ago, Julie most recently taught at Brookside Elementary.
In 1995, she married Chad M. Fordham, who survives. Also surviving are her daughter Julie; her granddaughter Loren; her mother Emilie; her brother Mark; stepson Chris Lilley; 3 sisters-in-law, Lola Styburski, Eileen Fordham, and Paula Jespersen; 1 brother-in-law, William Fordham; many aunts, uncles, nieces and nephews; her cat Samantha and her gecko Larry.
A Celebration of Life will begin at 2:00 p.m., Saturday, January 5, 2019 at the Mohnke Funeral Home in Big Rapids.
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