Dr. Julie Diane Whitis, age 42, of Ft. Thomas, Kentucky, passed away on April 18, 2022. She was born on November 15, 1979. Julie was preceded in death by her biological father, Doug Chappell, grandmother Nellie Sensel, and her husband Gary Whitis. She is survived by her daughter Caroline Reece Dalton, mother Laura Ennis, adoptive father Ben (David) Turner, loving boyfriend Dr. Francis O’Hara, sister Pamela Ollis and niece Sara, her best friends Kerri and Melvin Phillips and their daughters Maci and Laney, Madrina to her goddaughter Lina (Neil) Dayrit, and good friend and confidant Helen Whitley, and Uncle Steve Sensel.
Julie graduated from Connor High School in 1998 and went on to earn her baccalaureate in Biology and Secondary science Education from Northern Kentucky University (NKU) in 2002, a master’s degree in Instructional Leadership from the University of the Cumberland’s in 2012, and a doctorate in Educational Leadership and Administration from NKU in 2017.
She began her educational career at Simon Kenton High School, where she taught science, was a site-based council member, and served as the department chair, until 2012. Julie was critical in the development of the Kenton County Academics of Innovation and Technology, where she served as assistant principal, and eventually principal, until 2019.
In 2019, Julie was selected as principal of Ignite Institute. Her success was marked by her commitment to the success of those around her. Julie valued everyone for who they were, while also seeing the potential of who they could become, and persistently helped them move forward on that path. Her motto throughout her professional career was “Care first. Then, teach.” Julie embodied and instilled that on everyone in her presence. She empowered those around her by fiercely believing in their potential.
A celebration of Julie’s life will take place on Friday, April 29, 2022, at Receptions, 1379 Donaldson Highway, Erlanger, Kentucky 41018. All are welcome to pay their respects from 4pm until 7pm. There will be a gathering of family, friends, and community to share stories and experiences from 7pm until 8pm. Please reach out to Alyssa Morgan (513) 787-0429 or Amanda Dempsey (859) 391-7165 to RSVP to speak.
In lieu of flowers, the family is accepting donations for her daughter, Caroline Dalton’s, continuing education, which can be sent to c/o Caroline Dalton, P.O. Box 12081, Covington, Kentucky 41012.
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In lieu of flowers, the family is accepting donations for her daughter, Caroline Dalton’s, continuing education, which can be sent to c/o Caroline Dalton, P.O. Box 12081, Covington, Kentucky 41012.
Laura Ennis says
April 28, 2022 at 9:58 amI love you baby girl. I can’t believe your light was so cruelly snuffed out. Please don’t worry about Caroline which if heaven is what they say, you are at peace. But there is so much love surrounding her she will be ok . So please rest. Until we meet again i love you so much, mom
Pamela says
March 5, 2023 at 3:34 amSissy, I miss you so much. Every day I think about you and how special of a big sister you were. I miss your hugs, I miss your smile, and I miss your belief in me when I felt like no one else did. I always felt like I was never enough and you made sure to let me know I was the best thing that ever happened to you and dad. I remember when Caroline was born and you called and I was so happy! I couldn’t believe I would be an aunt! Now that you and daddy have gone on, know that I will make sure to let Caroline and Sara know how much I love them and you all did too. I am in college now. I only started it because of you. I want to better our lives and be the mom and aunt that the two most precious girls in the world deserve. Thank you sissy for giving me the best niece in the world and for being the best sister, mother, and best friend. I hope that one day I will be like you- Strong, Independent, Caring, and selfless. Although I miss you every day, I rest at night knowing dad is watching over you. I ask God every day why he left me here when the loves of my life are in heaven but for some reason, he has left me here. I know I have a purpose and I am doing my best to figure it out. I used to be angry with God but I have let go and am no longer angry that both of you are gone. I am trying to heal but it is a slow process. Just know that we will be okay. You taught us to persevere, focus, and get what we wanted. The sky was the limit. Until we meet again. I love you so much.