Sympathy to Family and Former Colleagues of Julia Lansford

JONESBORO – The university community extends sympathy to the family, friends and former colleagues of Julia Lansford of Jonesboro, who died Monday, Oct. 26. Lansford was emeritus associate professor of music.

After completing her bachelor’s degree in vocal music performance at then-Arkansas State College, she went on to earn her master’s degree in opera performance from what is now the University of North Texas.

She returned to A-State in 1964 as a faculty member, with thoughts of later pursuing a career in opera. However, she never let go of teaching, continuing what turned out to be a 44-year tenure during which her students consistently excelled in vocal competitions and later as stage performers, university and public school choral directors, and private vocal teachers.

In addition to her faculty service, Lansford continued to perform in recitals, operas and as soloist throughout the country, including leading roles with the Arkansas Symphony Orchestra, Memphis Opera Theatre, Arkansas Opera Theatre, and American Opera Company in New York City. She also performed at Kennedy Center, and twice at the White House.

She worked with others to initiate the Epsilon Gamma Chapter of Sigma Alpha Iota music fraternity, and she served as chapter adviser throughout her career at A-State. She co-directed, then later continued as director of Opera Theatre, presenting full-scale operas with orchestra in Fowler Center.

In retirement she especially enjoyed leading music programs for individuals with special needs, including Vocal Connection and the annual concert series “The Role of Music in the Lives of Special Needs Children and Adults.” 

Lansford received the 2009 Governor’s Award for Lifetime Achievement in Music. She was named a Distinguished Alumna in 2010 by the A-State Alumni Association, and she was among those added to the A-State Distinguished Faculty Wall of Honor in 2014 in recognition of her professional career achievements. She generously gave back to A-State in numerous ways, including creating an endowed scholarship designated for vocal music students.

Survivors include her son, Jonathan, and numerous other family members.

Visitation will be 5-7 p.m. Thursday and the funeral will be at 11 a.m. Friday, Oct. 30, at Southwest Church in Jonesboro. The complete obituary is online.

The clock tower of the Dean B. Ellis Library will be lighted purple Friday evening, in memorial tribute to Lansford for her contributions to higher education and Arkansas State University.