Birth date: Apr 4, 1956 Death date: Nov 4, 2023
Mrs. Julia Alys H. Williams 04/04/1956 – 11/04/2023 Mrs. Julia Alys Harkleroad Williams, age 67, of Newport, passed away Saturday afternoon, November 4, 2023 at Tennova Turkey Creek Medical Center in Knoxville. She was preceded i Read Obituary
Jenese White lit a candle in memory of Julia Williams
Oh Judy. My life long friend - so many memories.
I remember when I first met you. We were 4 or maybe just turned 5. We had moved into our house which is basically across the street from yours. I saw you and your Mom outside and convinced my Mom to walk me over to meet you. From then on, we were fast friends.
We started school at Fairmount and during our 6 grades there, to our dismay, were never in the same class. I think our mothers had something to do with that - thinking we'd get into trouble if we were in the same class room. I remember when you broke your arm falling off the slide on the playground. And when we had some kind of dress up occasion, your Mom made a pretty shawl/sling that matched your dress and your cast was not even noticeable. We started Girl Scouts and were instantly hooked. Our mothers served in leadership roles to make sure the troop thrived. We "flew" up from Brownies to Jr. Scouts. We went to Camp Sky-Wa-Mo in the summers and absolutely loved it. I remember the Christmas we got our bicycles and went riding on the new E. Cedar Street hill which was paved, but not open to traffic yet. I remember coming over to your house and we would sit in the kitchen or on the back deck playing games, drinking Mountain Dew and eating Charles Chips.
When we moved on to Vance Jr. High, we added Diane & Robyn to our close friend group. The 4 of us continued Scouting and camping. I learned to water ski behind your boat and we'd ski together up and down the lake. We'd also have sleep overs at your lake house where sometimes we'd sleep out under the stars on the deck.
Then we moved on the Tennessee High for new adventures. I remember the year you joined Swim Team even though it was not your "thing", but you did it because I asked you to. And then there was tennis team. We were a mean doubles team and rarely lost! We continued Scouting and loved camping out in the "Primitive" unit. And then during our Jr. year at THS, we lost Robyn. We were at camp preparing for a GS weekend and she had a brain aneurysm and never regained consciousness. Our sadness was so great and we leaned on each other to survive.
We went off to different colleges and did not see as much of each other during those years. But, after we graduated, I was in your wedding and a few years later, you were in mine. I remember when John was born and how when you came to visit in Bristol, John would sleep in the pack-and-play and the cat would jump in there and snuggle with him.
I remember when your Mom passed away much too soon. We had moved to Atlanta by then. I remember when you brought John to a Braves game and how even though we were in the upper deck, John would disagree with the umpire's calls.
I remember John's wedding and how Robert gave my son, Samuel, who was still young at the time, a ride on his scooter. Samuel thought that was the coolest thing ever. I remember how proud you were of John & Sara's academic achievements and of course, the grandsons were your pride & joy.
I remember Robert's funeral and the sadness at that time. That was the last time I saw you.
You will be greatly missed and growing up would never have been the same or as good without you.
Anyone that has had the opportunity to know Judy, knows what a kind person she was. I had the honor to grow up with her as my cousin. She set the example of what is good in life. Judy will be greatly missed and the world is a lesser place without her. Judy leaves behind a living testimony of goodness, in those of us that were fortunate to be a part of her life.
Richard (Dicky) Harkleroad
Anyone that has had the opportunity to know Judy, knows what a kind person she was. I had the honor to grow up with her as my cousin. She set the example of what is good in life. Judy will be greatly missed and the world is a lesser place without her. Judy leaves behind a living testimony of goodness, in those of us that were fortunate to be a part of her life.
Richard (Dicky) Harkleroad
Ms.Judy is going to be missed..she had a heart of gold within herself. Ms.Judy will forever be in my thoughts. Prayers for John and family
❣️️🙏❣️️
Pamela Sluder
Crystal Britt lit a candle in memory of Julia Williams
Ms. Julia such a sweet southern lady I have enjoyed working with her for several years she always brought a smile to my face each Monday sending me cat pictures and funny sayings. We enjoyed talking about our love for the beach and cruises. She will be greatly missed. Biggest Vol fan that I know of she cherished every weekend that her group could get together and cheer for her favorite team. May you rest in peace and show heaven what is like to have a real southern lady among the angels.
