Juliana Irby Wilson's Obituary
Juliana Irby Wilson was born June 22, 1921 in the Hardeetown vicinity of Chiefland, Florida. Her parents, William W. and Lillian Hanna Irby, had recently relocated with a South Carolina timber business. The Irby family later settled in Alachua, Florida, when the company established a sawmill there.
Juliana’s early childhood and youth were enjoyably spent in Alachua. She graduated from Alachua High School. Juliana took up studies at the University of Florida, Southern Methodist University in Dallas Texas, and graduated from the Watkins Institute of Nashville, Tennessee.
Early in her career, Juliana was employed as office manager of the Student Health Department Hospital at the University of Florida. She later served as executive secretary and assistant to the president of Neb-Badcaw Oil and Forestry Company in Dallas Texas.
Juliana’s remarkable career with the Tupperware Corporation began in 1960, when employed as executive secretary to the company’s president. Demonstrating her keen talents for business and hospitality with a life-long penchant for excellence, Juliana advanced to be appointed Vice President of Customer Relations for Tupperware U.S.A in 1973. She would ultimately travel the world as a corporate vice president, participating in the company’s expansion worldwide. She retired from Tupperware International in 1985.
Juliana was married to Hamer Wilson. They enjoyed their retirement together, living in Palm City and Stuart, Florida. They also treasured time together at their summer place in the mountains of North Carolina, near Brevard.
After the death of her beloved Hamer, Juliana returned to Gainesville to make her home in Oak Hammock at the University of Florida. She enjoyed playing bridge, reading the Bible, and spending time with family and friends. She was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Gainesville.
Her sister, Gertrude Irby Darsey, of Punta Gorda, and brother, William W. Irby Jr., of Alachua, predeceased Juliana. Her brother, Lewis M. Irby and wife, Audrey, of Alachua, survive her, as do twelve nieces and nephews, for whom Aunt Juliana has been cherished as a thoughtful and loving matriarch.
Funeral Services will be held Saturday, April 23, 2016 at 10:30 a.m., in the Iona Chapel of First Presbyterian Church, 300 SW Second Avenue, with the Rev. Dr. Robert Shettler and Rev. Michael Irby officiating. The family will receive friends beginning at 10:00 a.m., to the hour of service. Burial will be private. Those who wish may make memorials to First Presbyterian Church, 106 SW 3rd Street, Gainesville, FL 32601.
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