By Cara Cowan Watts | Cherokee 411
October 21, 1940 – October 13, 2026
Claremore, OK
Cherokee Nation Citizen
Osage Nation Citizen
Julia Marie Seals, born on October 21, 1940, in Barnsdall, Oklahoma, passed away on October 13, 2026, in Claremore, Oklahoma, leaving behind a legacy of love, strength, and devotion that touched the lives of many.
She was the daughter of James C. Deal and Josephine Angeline Deal, both of whom preceded her in death. Julia was also preceded in death by her beloved son, Sammy Ray Seals; her partner, Edward Campbell; and her siblings, Jolene Campbell, Jinx Geurin, Jane Deal, and Charles Deal. She carried the memory of her family close to her heart throughout her life and remained deeply connected to those she loved.
An important part of Julia’s life and identity was her proud family heritage. She was the great-granddaughter of Chief James Bigheart, a respected leader of the Osage Nation whose legacy holds a significant place in Osage history. Chief Bigheart was known for his leadership, determination, and efforts to protect the rights, land, and interests of the Osage people. For Julia, this connection was far more than a distinguished name in her family tree. It was an important part of her story, a heritage she carried with pride, and a legacy of strength and perseverance that connected her to generations before her. Her family honors this remarkable ancestry as an enduring part of who she was and the history she leaves to future generations.
Julia graduated from Barnsdall High School and went on to build a life marked by hard work, dedication, and service to others. She became a Certified Nursing Assistant and devoted 30 years of her career to Claremore Indian Hospital in the labor and delivery ward. Her years there reflected not only her strong work ethic, but also her compassion and commitment to caring for others. She also served as a Union Steward at the hospital, a role that allowed her to travel and broaden her experiences while advocating for those around her.
Those who knew Julia will remember her as articulate, determined, and well known for her strong presence and unmistakable personality. She was someone who spoke with confidence, lived with purpose, and carried herself with dignity. She was also known for being spoiled by her daddy, a cherished part of her story that reflected the love she received early in life and carried with her always.
Julia found joy in the simple and meaningful things in life. She enjoyed crocheting, creating recipe albums for those she loved, and watching tennis. She had a gift for making ordinary moments special and for preserving memories in ways that could be treasured by others.
