Julia Francis Tunnell (lovingly known as "Sally")

"A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies." — Proverbs 31:10 

Julia Francis Tunnell, lovingly known as "Sally," passed away at the age of 79 on July 14, 2026. She was born on March 2, 1947, in Foreman, Arkansas, to Mildred Whisenhunt Wade and Marion Francis "Dude" Wade. Sally was a faithful, hardworking, and compassionate woman who loved her family with all her heart. She devoted her life to her husband, her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren, who were the greatest joy of her life. She also opened her heart and home as a foster parent to countless children, offering them love, care, and a place where they belonged. Her home was a place where everyone felt welcome. Whether sitting on the porch, playing beneath the big oak trees, or gathering around the table for one of her delicious meals, family and friends always knew they were loved. She was a wonderful cook, a talented seamstress, and a woman who showed her love through the care she gave to others. Her life reflected the virtues of the woman described in Proverbs 31, and her quiet strength, kindness, and unwavering love will continue to bless all who knew her. 

On November 11, 1961, she married Jimmy Don Tunnell. Together they shared an extraordinary 63 years of marriage, building a life filled with love, sacrifice, hard work, and perseverance. Side by side, they built a loving home and a family that will forever cherish the life they created. 

She was preceded in death by her loving parents, Mildred Whisenhunt Wade and Marion Francis "Dude" Wade; her devoted husband, Jimmy Don Tunnell; and her cherished great-granddaughter, Lillian Patterson. 

She is survived by her daughters, Terri and Randy Johnson of the Redland Community, Oklahoma; Christine and Bob Jensen of Benedict, Nebraska; Shelby Newton and Billy Harkrider of the Redland Community, Oklahoma; Starla Tunnell of Indianapolis, Indiana; and Haley Tunnell of London, England; by her sons, Jimmy Don Tunnell Jr. and Candace Tunnell of America, Oklahoma, Vincent Tunnell of Indianapolis, Indiana, and Rich Tunnell of McKinney, Texas; by her four siblings; and by many cherished nieces, nephews, extended family members, and dear friends. 

Sally was the proud grandmother of Liz Longacre, Alexis Ward, Britt Patterson, Jay Tunnell, Rhyan Newton, Heath Newton, Katie Burns, Seth Patterson, Alex Newton, and Ali White. She was also the cherished great grandmother of Skye Walls, Drake Walls, Rhaliegh Burns, Riley Burns, Audrey Newton, Zachary Longacre, Hudson Newton, Jace Newton, Coleson Newton, Rhett Burns, River Burns, the late Lillian Patterson, Sean King, Alex King, Cory Farley, Dakota Farley, Annelise Flowers, Coley Tunnell, John Paul Tunnell, Aiden Tunnell, Samuel Tunnell, Abby Tunnell, and Natalie Tunnell.

Sally’s greatest legacy is the love she gave so freely. Her strength, kindness, creativity, and unconditional love live on in her children, grandchildren, great-grandchildren, her beloved siblings, and everyone fortunate enough to have known her. Though our hearts are broken by her passing, we find comfort in knowing that the love she shared will continue to live on through the generations she cherished. Her memory will remain in our hearts always. 

A life well lived is not measured by what you have, but by how you live and how you love. Sally’s life was a beautiful reflection of that truth.

The family will receive friends from 6:00 pm to 8:00 pm on Friday, July 17, 2026 at the funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held at 2:00 pm on Saturday, July 18, 2026 at Haworth Church of Christ with Aubrey Thompson officiating. Interment will follow at Bokhoma Cemetery.

Online condolences can be shared with the family at www.whitefamilyfh.com.

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