Julie Black Carlson

Julie Black Carlson, 73, of Owings, Maryland, passed away on October 10, 2026 surrounded by family.

Julie was born on April 23, 1953, in Washington, D.C., to M. Ray and Anna (Casey) Black. The middle of five children, she stood out from the beginning with her bright red hair, larger-than-life personality, and a megawatt smile that could light up any room. She grew up in District Heights, Maryland, where she attended Mt. Calvary Catholic School and later Suitland High School, where she met her future husband, Bill. Her school years were beloved and she maintained lifelong friendships with many of her classmates, connections that remained dear to her throughout her life.

Julie was a self-proclaimed hippie who loved Joni Mitchell, James Taylor, Crosby Stills & Nash, and absolutely hated Billy Joel. With big hair and even bigger glasses, she had an adventurous spirit as a young adult, going on cross-country road trips with her sister to Washington state and Mardis Gras with her younger brother. Julie believed in being on the right side of history and proudly supported every cause she championed with gusto.

Julie and William “Bill” Carlson were married on July 12, 1980 at Holy Family Church in Davidsonville, Maryland, with the traditional reception held at her parent’s farm in Harwood, MD. They built a beautiful family over 44 years with their five children, which grew to include five grandchildren who they both deeply cherished. Her pride in her children’s accomplishments, whether in sports, or Scouts, or school, and her love for her grandchildren were on full display. Julie instilled her deep appreciation for nature and life’s simple pleasures in her children, spending countless summers camping and kayaking as a family, and celebrating every holiday or life event at Connemara, her parents’ beloved farm, with as much family as possible. She loved being surrounded by the trees at her home, spending long summer days on the beach in Ocean City, Maryland, and enjoying the beauty of the Chesapeake Bay.

Julie found great joy and purpose in being of service to others. Whether caring for her family, helping a friend, or volunteering her time, she was happiest when she could lend a helping hand and make a difference in someone’s life. One of her greatest pillars in life was her work with the Girl Scouts – a legacy and passion that she instilled in her daughters and has been passed down to her granddaughters. Her love for the outdoors, her belief in helping others, and her dedication to Girl Scout values eventually led her to serve as the Product Sales Manager for the Girl Scout Council of the Nation’s Capital. During her 13 year reign, Julie was responsible for over 60,000,000 boxes of Girl Scout cookies being sold and, most importantly to her, over $36,400,000 to girls and troops to support them in following their dreams, having amazing adventures, and helping their local communities. Through her decades of involvement, she built lasting friendships and found a community that meant so much to her.

In her later years, some of her happiest moments were spent walking her beloved dog, Ginger, along the boardwalk by the Chesapeake Bay. She took great pride in living on the water and never tired of sharing its beauty with others. Whether watching the sunrise over the bay or taking in the colors of a sunset, she found peace and contentment in the natural world around her.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 44 years (and five days), William “Bill” Carlson, and her parents M. Ray and Anna Black. She is survived by her five children; Andrew (Kourtney), Bridget Maddox (Robert), Patricia McGouyrk (John), Margaret Douglas (Sean), Catherine (Banks Wilson); grandchildren, Ainsley & Raegan Maddox, Adelaide & Benjamin Carlson, and Finley Douglas; siblings, Susan Black (Michael Duff), Kathy Redlin (Todd), David Black (Lisa), Daniel Black; and numerous nieces and nephews who will cherish her memory.

Services will be held on Monday October 19, 2026 from 10a-12p at Rausch Funeral Home in Owings, Maryland. In lieu of flowers, the family requests contributions be made to the Girl Scout Council of the Nation’s Capital. (https://www.gscnc.org/en/support-us.html) or the Alzheimer’s Association (https://www.alz.org/get-involved-now/donate.