"I STOOD UPON THE SANDY BANKS LOOKING OUT ACROSS THE OCEAN, I WATCHED THE SHIPS COME SAFELY IN TO REST BESIDE THE SHORE FRIENDS OF THOSE ABOARD HER WERE STANDING THERE TO MEET THEM, IT MADE ME LONG FOR HEAVEN WHERE FRIENDS WOULD PART NO MORE, I’M SAILING TOWARD HOME ON THE OLD SHIP OF ZION, I SEE THE LIGHTS UPON THE BANKS ACROSS THE MISTY FOAM ANGELS GUARD MY VESSEL ‘TIL I’M SAFE WITHIN THE HARBOR CAPTAIN GUIDE MY SHIP ‘TIL I GET HOME."

   Oakdale-Celebration of Life services honoring Julia Elizabeth Swinnea Boone, 68, will be held on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at 2 o’clock p.m. at Full Gospel Revival Center in Oakdale. Rev. Mike Craig and Bro. Aubry Tyler will officiate. Julia will be laid to rest at Cryer Cemetery in Oakdale immediately following her services.

   Julia’s family will receive friends and visitors at Ardoin/Allen Parish Funeral Home of Oakdale on Tuesday, May 12, 2026, from 5-9 o’clock p.m. Julia’s visitation will resume on Wednesday, May 13, 2026, at Full Gospel Revival Center in Oakdale from 10 o’clock a.m. until time of service. All of Julia’s arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Ardoin/Allen Parish Funeral Home of Oakdale.

   Julia Elizabeth Swinnea Boone grew up in a loving Christian home with her parents, Pastor JC and Margie Swinnea. She sang alongside her brothers and sister throughout her life. In 1976, she married Larry Boone, and together they were blessed with two daughters, Mikka and Kayla. She was well known in both the church and the community as a devoted and involved wife and mother. As the years went on, her joy and dedication became centered on her four beautiful grandchildren. She attended Full Gospel Revival Center and played an important role in every aspect of the church’s ministry, although she often worked behind the scenes. Every successful mission drive, camp meeting, and fellowship meal was made possible in part because of her labor and organization. She was known for her ability to take charge of a situation and get things done. She had a deep love and burden for missions and constantly worked to help those in foreign lands, especially children, even though she could not go herself. After her mother passed away, she became the song leader. The last time she led singing in church was on Mother’s Day, the day she passed away. It was obvious to all who knew her that her church and her family were her life. Above all, however, the true passion and consecration of her life were devoted to her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, and everything else about her flowed from that relationship and love for Him. She was a very loving, compassionate and caring person and will be forever missed and unconditionally loved by all who knew her.

   Those left to cherish Julia’s memory include her husband Larry James Boone of Oakdale; her daughter, Mikka and husband Roma Celestine both of Oakdale; two brothers, Mark Swinnea and wife Susan, and Paul Swinnea and wife Naomi; son-in-law, Robert Pape of Oakdale ; four grandchildren, Julee’Ana, Cinderella, Aree’Ana, and Harrison, as well as a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members and friends.

   Julia is preceded in death by her parents, J.C. and Margie Swinnea; her daughter, Kayla Pape; four brothers, James Ray, David, John, and Daniel Swinnea; and one sister, Sarah Swinnea Bond.

   In lieu of flowers, monetary donations can be made to the family to help with expenses.

   Condolences and expressions of sympathy may be shared with Julia’s family at www.ardoinfuneralhome.com or on Facebook-Ardoin/Allen Parish Funeral Homes.