Julie Ann Toliafero- Robards

Julie Ann Toliafero-Robards, 87, of Louisville, Kentucky, passed away on Friday, May 29, 2026.

Julie was a loving mother, sister, cousin and friend. Known lovingly as "Julie" she faced profound loss of her mother and father early in life and was raised with the care and guidance of extended family. Those experiences shaped resilience, determination and a deep sense of purpose. She was especially grateful for the encouragement of relatives who helped guide her education, character and confidence through her youth.

Julie graduated from Central High School in 1956 and earned a Bachelor of Arts degree in Elementary Education from Ursuline College in Louisville. After beginning her career in a hospital setting, Julie followed her calling into education. She taught in Louisville Public Schools, earned advanced credentials through summer study and devoted 27 years as an educator before retiring in 1998.

Her adventurous spirit led her beyond Louisville to teach military dependent children in Okinawa through the department of defense. She loved travel, fashion, great food and jazz. She embraced life with curiosity and style.

She was born on March 5, 1939 in Louisville, Kentucky to and Thelma (Carter) and Hawk Toliafero . She is preceded in death by her mother, Thelma Toliafero, father, Hawk Toliafero, husband, Milton Robards and brother, Stewart Toliafero.

Julie is survived by her loving daughter, "Shay" (Alisia) Clark, aunt, Nanny Blanche Toliafero, cousins, Bettye F. Baker, Joyce B. Tyson, Cecil Brown, best friends, Joyce Childress Redd, Janice Laniaer, Jane Grady Rhoda Haskins, Stephanie Slemmons, and Pam Johnson along with a host of cousins, extended family and friends to cherish her memory forever.

Visitation will be from 4:00 pm to 6:00 pm on Friday, June 12, 2026 at Newcomer Cremations, Funerals & Receptions - Southwest Louisville Chapel, (10304 Dixie Hwy). A funeral mass will begin at 9:30 am on Saturday, June 13, 2026 at St. Louis Bertrand Catholic Church with burial to follow at Cave Hill Cemetery in Louisville, Kentucky.

In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in honor of Julie.

To share a memory of Julie or leave a special message for her family, please visit the guestbook below.