Elizabeth Juristene Horton, affectionately known as Julie, a cherished mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, dedicated professional, and long-time resident of Lenoir, passed away on May 18, 2026, at the age of 74.

Born to the late Jasper and Laura Horton, Julie's family roots ran deep in Caldwell County, with her mother hailing from the Laytown community. Julie possessed an extraordinary work ethic that was evident early in her life. At the age of 20, she began working at Cedar Rock Country Club to help pay her way through college. A lifelong learner and a proud Mountaineer, she earned her Bachelors and Masters of Arts in Library Science from Appalachian State University. She was also a respected leader among her peers, notably serving with dedication as the treasurer for the Omicron Executive Board.

What began as a job to support her education at Cedar Rock Country Club blossomed into a remarkable 53-year career. As the club's Manager, Julie was a welcoming, steady presence and a familiar face to generations of members. Alongside her continued loyalty to Cedar Rock Country Club, she took her profound passion for knowledge into the local school system. For over 20 years, she served her community as the beloved librarian at Sawmills Elementary School and Alexander Central High School, creating a safe, encouraging space for students and fostering a love of reading and discovery in countless young minds.

Outside of her busy professional life, Julie found great joy in quiet, peaceful moments. She was an avid reader who loved getting lost in the pages of a good romance novel, and she enjoyed keeping her mind sharp by working on puzzles.

More than anything, her greatest pride was her family. She leaves behind a legacy of hard work, warmth, and love, and will be deeply missed by her children, Julian Horton and spouse Melanie as well as her children Alision and Courtney (Michael), and Alecia Horton Harshaw and spouse Grady. Her memory will be beautifully carried on by her sisters, Emma, Joann, Mary, Barbara, and Nancy; as well as nine adored grandchildren: Chandler, Tyler and spouse Laiken, Azell, Kashton, Raven and spouse Geron, Kayla and spouse Alex, Lyurn, Ethan and spouse Madison, and Ashton; as well as her five precious great-grandchildren: Aria, Kilynn, Brilyn, Kayveion, and Kristiana. She was preceded in death by her parents, Jasper and Laura, and her siblings, John Horton and Janice Horton.

A Celebration of Life will be held at Cedar Rock Country Club on Saturday, May 23, 2026 at 2:00PM.

Flowers may be sent to Cedar Rock Country Club at 2065 Cedar Rock Estate Dr, Lenoir, NC 28645.

Donations may be made to St. Jude's Children's Hospital at 501 St. Jude Place • Memphis, TN 38105.

Online condolences may be left for the family at www.greer-mcelveenhome.com.