Julie McKinney

Julie McKinney Bown lived a life of service, productivity, and adventure. She was lovely, smart, gracious, genteel, and compassionate. Her sudden death Easter Sunday morning left many grieving.

She exercised her intellect and leadership throughout her life. Her distinguished academic career preceded her distinguished professional career as an investment banker. She graduated magna cum laude from Emory University with her BA then earned a MBA from Georgia State University. Her education served her well. She was the youngest person, and first female, ever to become a vice president of Salomon Brothers Inc in New York City, where she trained under Michael Bloomberg. She also worked for Advanced Outdoor Landscapes Inc, and for Private Trust and Estate management in Dallas.

Julie was a long serving Master Gardener in Dallas County, earning the honorary title of Texas Master Gardener Emerita after volunteering for almost 30 years. Locally she served as the city of Dallas Animal Shelter Commissioner for District 9, volunteered with multiple animal rescues and was a member of the Outreach Commission at First United Methodist Church in Dallas. In that capacity she helped coordinate many community service projects.

Internationally, Julie participated in conservation projects with Earthwatch Inc, helping in Europe, multiple African countries, and in Central and South America.

She was predeceased by her parents Roald and Clara McKinney and her brother Russell McKinney. She is survived by many friends and her husband Robert Bown. Also left to mourn are Julie's brother Patrick, her sister Virginia Josephson and her husband Joe, her stepdaughter Stacey McCool , her grandchildren Hayden, Connor and Jessica Hardesty, and her nieces Anna and Amelia Josephson.

A celebration of Julie's extraordinary life will be held at 10:00 AM Thursday, April 11, 2024, at First United Methodist Church, Dallas, 1928 Ross Avenue. Valet parking will be available at the San Jacinto entrance.