| State Rep. Julie Mayberry is the youngest of five siblings and was raised by a single mother. Her mom worked multiple jobs just to keep food on the family table and a roof over their heads. "I learned so much from my mom about the value of hard work and sacrifice" Julie said. "She set a great example for me, and I could never thank her enough for all she did for my sisters, brother and me."
Many Arkansans still remember Julie as co-host of KATV's morning news program, a role she held from 1996 to 2001. It was there that she met her future husband, Andy, when the two were set up on a blind date in February 1997. Three months later they were engaged, then married just a month after that. They will celebrate their 25th anniversary in June 2022. They have four daughters- Ellie, 22; Katie, 20; Zoe, 17; and Courtney, 15. Katie was born with spina bifida and inspired Julie's passion for helping children and adults with special needs.
State Rep. Mayberry is serving her third term in the Arkansas House of Representatives. She also serves as executive director of I Can! of Arkansas, a non-profit she founded to provide extracurricular activities for children with special needs. Her husband, Andy, is a former three-term state representative and now works as communications director for the Sheridan School District. In 2000, the couple founded The East Ender newspaper and for more than 21 years, they covered local news including information about the Sheridan School District. They also co-own a small advertising agency.
In 2013, the couple built the I Can! Arts & Resource Center in East End. In 2015, they led efforts to construct The Crossing at Angel Court public park. It was the first fully accessible public park in Central Arkansas and became a model for others.
The Mayberry family are members of East Union Missionary Baptist Church. |