Julie A. Suarez

Julie Anneliese Suarez, age 61, ALS warrior and advocate, passed away at home on Thursday, June 22, 2023.  Julie was born, on October 16, 1961, in Germany to Candido and Julia Suarez (Corcino), the quintessential baby of her family, adored by all and unashamedly a self-proclaimed daddy’s girl.

On September 1, 2013, Julie married her biggest fan, retired Lieutenant Colonel John Clements, becoming the proud stepmom to Tricia Doerflinger (Clements) and Mollie Clements. They enjoyed, for nearly a decade, fun, football, parties, travel, family, and friends. Julie, alongside her husband John, was notorious for hosting Lousiana style crawfish boils. She was also famous for her Arroz con Gandules, salsa, and spinach dip. She was a devoted aunt/titi, a loyal sister and sister-in-law, “the favorite” amongst her “crazy cousins,” and a supportive friend.  She loved her fur babies and was a collector of all things corgi.  Most recently, Julie was thrilled to announce that she had become a grandmother when a hummingbird chose to build a nest outside her bedroom window. Julie vigilantly watched the nest and enjoyed her grandbird at every stage: a single egg, then hatchling, chick, and finally to flight.  Julie received her own wings several days later.

Julie is celebrated for her infectious laughter, incredible wit, intelligence, iron-clad will, vivacious spirit, no-nonsense advice, and uncanny ability to bring people together.

Julie graduated from Parkland High School (Class of 1979), completed her Bachelor of Science at Texas Women’s University (1986), and then earned her Master of Arts in Procurement and Acquisitions Management at Webster’s University (2013). Some of her career highlights are Judicial Assistant, procurement specialist at El Paso Community College, Manager of Contract Compliance for the City of El Paso, Operations Manager, and Consultant for Michael Franco Inc. After she was diagnosed with ALS in 2019, Julie became an active member of the organization I AM ALS, advocating for those, like herself, living with ALS.  Julie took great pride in her career, specifically the relationships forged and cultivated over the years.

Julie was preceded in death by her parents, Candido and Julia Suarez, and her older sisters, Maria Hilton (Suarez) and Lisbeth Suarez Call. She is survived by her husband, John Clements, stepdaughters Tricia Doerflinger (husband Tyler and daughter Peyton) and Mollie Clements, brothers Candido and Rick Suarez (Cerena Suarez), her fur babies Hettie and Noelle, and the nieces and nephews she considered her children, as well as their families: Ret. LTC John Call, Myra Lang, Tim Call, Jennifer Call, Lance Crownover, Julian Suarez, Thomas Hilton, Trey Suarez, Matthew Suarez, Kayla Suarez, Chelsea Charley Suarez, Christopher Charley Suarez, and Clifton Charley Suarez. She is also survived by Miguel and Jennifer Cruz and their children, her many cousins, great-nieces and nephews, her brother and sister-in-law, and the countless life-long friends who she loved fiercely.

Julie never met a stranger; to know her was to love her.  She is already missed dearly. Memorial gifts can be made to IAmALS.org.