Julie Lynn Banasiak, 55, passed away with family by her side on Sunday, March 26, 2023 in Maryville, Illinois.  Julie was born on January 27, 1968 in Gulfport, Mississippi.

Julie grew up in central Florida and graduated from Haines City High School. During her high school years, Julie was an incredibly intelligent and talented young woman.  She was very popular, made straight A's, was a member of the Honors Society, and was a high achiever in all she showed interest in.  Her biggest love of all, however, was music.  Julie played both the trumpet and French horn in her high school marching and symphonic bands.  She was very proud of her many achievements in music, and was even offered a scholarship to the Coast Guard Academy to play in their band.

Julie was self-taught in information technology and security and earned numerous certifications.

In her later years, Julie took advantage of all of the traveling opportunities she could.  She enjoyed going on cruises, so much so that she had recently gone on a 60-day cruise.  She has been to every island in the Caribbean, Hawaii, Australia, New Zealand and many more beautiful places.  She loved playing slot machines, which worked out perfectly since all of the cruise ships she traveled on had casinos.

She was preceded in death by her mother, Barbara Joyce Henson; grandparents, Nina and Henry McPherson; and aunt, Wanda Riche.

Those left to cherish her memory include her three sons, Matthew Hodges, Michael Hodges (Jessica), and Joshua Bailey (Samantha); grandsons, Alexander Hodges and Kyle Scout; brother, Greg Henson (Georgia); and nephews, Sean and Colin Henson.

The family will receive guests at  Sunset Hill Funeral Home, 50 Fountain Drive in Glen Carbon, Illinois on Saturday, April 1, 2023 from 12:00pm - 4:00pm.