Julie Ann Hyatt, 66, passed away unexpectedly on January 20, 2024. We are shattered at the loss of this brightest light, and our hearts feel forever dimmed.
Julie was born on December 11, 1957, in Lubbock, Texas. She graduated from Bastrop High School in 1975, and she lived in San Angelo and the surrounding areas for most of her life. Julie worked harder than everyone else, championing the “side hustle” before that was a term. Her purpose being her two girls, Julie ensured they had everything they needed and wanted, and in turn, she taught them about love and survival and about grit and determination. But mostly, she showed them the importance of sticking together, and that’s just what the three of them did. In 2002, Julie married the love of her life, Rick Hyatt, and they shared 21 wonderful years together. She loved listening to him sing, and he loved when she’d sing with him. Some gigs were just meant to be.
Julie was sharp-witted, level-headed, and capable of anything she put her mind to. She was a master decorator, transforming any old space or yard into something magical—something she did time and time again for herself and for so many others. She was crafty, and so many of our homes are filled with touches of Julie. As one of her final and most important acts of service, Julie created a beautiful and cozy space for her mother to feel at "home" in her new apartment in memory care. She loved to read, and she was a great writer and poet. But no one could tell a story like Julie could. Her impeccable timing was a perfect match for her keen sense of humor. So easily she captivated, causing a roomful of laughter. Little did she know it was her own laugh we were all waiting to hear.
Together Julie and Rick opened their home to countless parties and gatherings. It was there that they loved on their family, doted on their grandchildren, and had jam sessions well into the night. Julie’s greatest loves were “her people,” and she made no distinction between family and friends. The safest place to be was in Julie’s corner, because there, you had a defender for life. And boy did she not hesitate. Julie’s bark was usually sufficient, rendering a bite wholly unnecessary! She was competitive, she loved watching her children and grandchildren play sports, and she really loved yelling at all the referees.
Julie is survived by many who loved her dearly, including her mother Peggy Finley; husband Rick Hyatt; daughter Jessica Tidquist (partner John and children Bella, Parker, and Cooper); daughter Erica Wilde (husband Blake and their children Conlie and Cash Carter and Hannah and Rylee Wilde); Rick’s daughters Brandy Brown (husband Michael and children Mayson and Christian) and Misty Everett (husband Brad and children Jason and Jaycie); and her beloved Yorkies, Foxy, Feliz, and Frankie. She is also survived by her sisters and brothers, Ginger Lindsey, Ben D. Snead III, John Snead, and Amanda Thompson; her brothers in law Douglas Hyatt and Rodney Hyatt; and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, and cousins. Julie’s people also survive her, and you know if you are one of them, but notably, her best friend Melody Kelley and her most wonderful daughters. Julie is preceded in death by her father, Ben Douglas Snead, Jr., her step-father George Finley, and lifelong special friend, Susan Herring.
As she once famously wrote, “When this you see, remember me.” And for us, there are so many of those. When we see a Santa Claus (she had a collection of over 1000), a piece of turquoise, a catchy sign, a dog in need, a Christmas store, a bucket full of craft paint, or a single mom making it happen for her kids, we will remember her. She is everywhere, among us, around us, and in our hearts. She lived big and she led big, and there simply aren’t any feet in existence that could fill those shoes.
Pallbearers are Ben Snead, John Snead, Blake Wilde, John Reese, Parker Tidquist, and Coty Gober. Honorary Pallbearers are all the grandchildren. Funeral Service will be held at 10:00am on Thursday, January 25, 2024, at Harper Funeral Home, immediately followed by burial at Belvedere Memorial Park. In lieu of flowers, please consider a donation in Julie's memory to the local dog rescue organization, Cassie's Place.
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