Julia Elizabeth Putnam, 77, a resident of Albany, departed this life on Thursday, Jan. 28, 2021, in an Abilene hospital. She was born in Abilene, Texas, on Oct. 10, 1943, to Joseph Carrol Putnam and Margaret Elizabeth Sheers Putnam. Julia lived on the family’s Camp Cooper Ranch in Throckmorton County before they moved to Albany in 1947. The Putnams moved back to the ranch in 1955. Julia attended Albany schools and graduated from high school in 1962.

Miss Putnam received her bachelor’s degree in library science from Texas Woman’s University in 1967. She worked as a librarian at Mineral Wells Junior High School until she retired about 1997. Julia served as sponsor of the yearbook at the junior high school for many years. She studied photography and used her skills to advantage in the yearbooks. After she retired, Julia returned to Albany.

Miss Putnam was active in the First United Methodist Church of Albany, where she served as president of the United Methodist Women for several years. She was a member the Albany Study Club and the Fort Griffin Fandangle Association, and was also a member and past president of the Shackelford County Retired Teachers Association. Julia worked with the Shackelford County Library and was instrumental in bringing computer services there. Miss Putnam was involved in getting the present-day pavilion built in the Albany Cemetery. She was a docent at the Ledbetter Picket House in the Bank Park in downtown Albany and a driver for Meals on Wheels for several years.

Julia was preceded in death by her parents. Survivors include her brother John Putnam and his wife Rita of Albany; her sister Margaret Putnam and her husband Marvin Hale of Albuquerque, New Mexico; her brother Joe Putnam and his wife Jan Hart of Irving; nephews Robert Putnam and his wife Rebe of Albany, and Joe Putnam of Parker, Colo.; nieces Sara Putnam Chisum and husband Eddie of Roby, and Evelyn Hale Valdez and husband Jason of San Antonio; eight great-nieces and -nephews, and numerous cousins.

Morehart Mortuary’s Albany location is directing the burial services, which will be in the Albany Cemetery on Friday, Feb. 5, at 1 p.m. The Reverend Tim Trimble of First United Methodist Church of Albany will perform the graveside service. Visitation will be held from 5 to 7 p.m. on Thursday, Feb. 4 at Morehart Mortuary of Albany.

Suggestions for memorials include the First United Methodist Church of Albany; Shackelford County Meals on Wheels; the Shackelford County Library; the Fort Griffin Fandangle Association; and the Texas Historical Commission.