Iris Rose Julian

With heavy hearts, we announce the passing of Iris Rose Julian, our beloved mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, teacher, and friend, who peacefully entered eternal rest on Saturday, July 11, 2026. Born in September 1937, she lived a life filled with music, faith, love, and unwavering devotion to those around her. Music was woven into the fabric of her life from the very beginning. At just two years old, she began singing alongside her father and sister in church, beginning a lifelong journey of sharing her God-given gift with others. She pursued her passion for music by attending Mars Hill College and East Carolina University, where she studied music and education with a concentration in vocal training. She went on to dedicate many years to teaching music and using her vocal talents, inspiring generations of students to discover confidence, creativity, and joy through song. Her love of music extended far beyond the classroom. She faithfully served her church at First Baptist Salisbury, and many other churches in her years, sharing her gifts through singing, playing the piano, playing the organ, leading choirs, performing vocally and teaching. Whether lifting her voice in worship or accompanying the congregation with her hands on the keys, she glorified God through music and touched countless lives with her talent, faith, and servant’s heart. She also cherished the opportunity to travel the world alongside her former spouse, who preceded her in death. Together they created treasured memories while exploring new places and experiencing the beauty of God’s creation. Above all else, she treasured her family. She was a loving mother to her three children, Keri Bero, Derrick Julian, and Alan Julian. Her greatest joy came from watching her family grow through five beloved grandchildren and four precious great-grandchildren, each of whom brought immeasurable happiness to her life. She was also the last surviving sibling of her family, joining her two siblings who passed before her. Though they are reunited once again, her absence leaves an immeasurable void for those who loved her here on earth. She will be remembered for her gentle spirit, kind heart, steadfast faith, and the music that seemed to flow naturally from her soul. Her life was a beautiful testimony that the greatest gifts we can leave behind are love, faith, and the lives we touch along the way. While our hearts grieve her passing, we find comfort in knowing she is now reunited with loved ones who have gone before her, her voice raised once again in praise and her song continuing in the presence of the Lord she faithfully served throughout her life. She will be deeply missed, forever loved, and always remembered. Visitation will be held Friday, July 17, 2026 from 2-3PM at First Baptist Church. Funeral service will be at First Baptist Church at 3PM with Rev. Brian Farmer officiating. Burial will follow at St. Paul’s Lutheran Church cemetery. In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Baptist Church of Salisbury, Music Department, 223 N. Fulton St., Salisbury, NC 28144. Summersett Funeral Home is serving the Julian family. Online condolences may be made at www.summersettfuneralhome.com.