Julie (Thacker) Romas

March 7, 1953  -  June 14, 2023

Julie Thacker Romas, a beloved educator and community leader, passed away unexpectedly on June 14,2023, in Brazil, Indiana. Born on March 7, 1953, in Bloomington, Indiana. She dedicated her life to helping students succeed and successfully strove to connect community resources to support those children. When it came to helping children she believed anything could be accomplished. She was a passionate, caring, fierce, fighter for what she believed was right. She never met a child she didn’t like...nor a stunning dress or stylish pair of shoes.

Survived by her husband Lynn who gave her enduring love and support, he completed her throughout 47 years of marriage. She is also survived by her sister Judy Morran (Keith) of Bloomington, Indiana, her brother James Ross Thacker (Kate) of Homer, Alaska, and her nephews Levi Morran (Emily)of Atlanta, Georgia and Gabe Morran (Samantha) of Bloomington, Indiana. Also surviving are her great nieces Daisy Delph-Morran, Magdalene Morran, and Great Nephew Beau Morran.

Julie’s parents were Betty and Willis Thacker of Bloomington, IN, both now deceased. She grew up in a family where children were valued and loved, where eating dinner meant catching up with each other and debating the issues of the day, where respect and reading were key.

Julie graduated from Owen Valley High School and went on to attend Middle Tennessee State University. She graduated from Indiana University where she earned a bachelor’s degree in English and Physical Education. Later, she continued her education and earned a master’s degree in counseling at Indiana State University.

Throughout her career, Julie worked as an educator and counselor at various schools, including Edgewood Middle School, Meridian Elementary, where she taught Physical Education. She then worked as a counselor at various schools including Brazil High School, Owen Valley Middle School, Cascade High School, Owen Valley High School, Terre Haute North Vigo, Terre Haute South Vigo High Schools and North Clay Middle School. Her dedication to her students and profession earned her the Indiana High School Counselor of the Year Award in 1987 for the programs she created and initiated while serving as a Guidance Director at Terre Haute North.

Julie’s passion for helping students countinued, as she created and developed the “Kid’s Family and Community” program while serving as a Administrator Director for Clay Community Schools. The innovative program connected children and their families with the necessary programs and individuals in the community, ensuring that they had the support they needed to thrive.

Julie loved speaking to student and community groups, and spoke professionally at educational conventions. She was selected to speak at Beijing University in Beijing, China about her program approach to guidance and counseling. And,she also was a keynote speaker at the National School Boards Convention in San Francisco, California and at other educational events.

Julie had a deep love and caring for children. Her intelligence, thoughtfulness, and passion for helping others will be remembered by all who had the pleasure of knowing her. Julie made a difference in this world.

Donations in her name may be made to any local Planned Parenthood organization, the Multiple Sclerosis Foundation and Casa.

A Celebration of Life will be held to honor Julie at Lawson – Miller Chapel, 1702 E. National Ave. Brazil, Indiana 47834, on Saturday, August 12, 2023, from 4:00 PM until 7:00 PM with services beginning at 7:00 PM.