Julia H. R. Hamilton

She was predeceased by her husband William A Richards and her grandson, Chris Hampson; also by Ben C Hamilton and her step daughter Suzanne Hamilton. She is survived by her three daughters, a son and his partner. Dr. Diana Lyn Richards, Kathleen R Helmericks, Carolyn Hampson, Dr. William A Richards, Jr, and Garry Taylor; and 3 step-children: Jeanne Barone, Charest Fels, and Yvette Hamilton; and 5 grandchildren: Julia Maralise Taylor Richards, William Glen Taylor Richards, Katherine Hampson, Ryan Helmericks, and Holli Helmericks.

Her many accomplishments include the following:

-Founder of Piccadilly Cafeterias with her husband and parents in 1944

-Volunteered at Friends of LSU Library where she studied and priced books from the South and in the Special Collection, and to whom she donated her personal book collection.

-Served on the board of several organizations, including Boy Scouts of America, College of Business Administration, Piccadilly Cafeterias, LSU Readers and Writers (President for 2 years), Louisiana Nature Conservancy, Anglo-America Museum, Salvation Army, Baton Rouge Symphony, St. Elizabeth Foundation Adoption Agency.

-Recipient of the Distinguished Service Award (along with Shaquille O’Neal), granted by LSU.

-Recipient of the Baton Rouge Humanitarian of the Year Award (the first woman so granted) for her “interest, enthusiasm, and dedication to the future of our community.”

-Her political interest and contributions brought her to the White House to meet Ronald and Nancy Reagan and George & Laura Bush, as well as hosting local political events.

-She was a talented ballroom dancer who with her husband received awards and drew circles of rapt viewers from numerous dance floors.

She built her dream house from photos and ideas gathered from Architectural Digest over a decade or two and presented to Architect A Hayes Towne, who said, “that’s all nice but I can do better.” This house was Towne’s favorite and became a historic marker and a feature on HGTV. It was a center of social and political events and a home much loved and enjoyed by her family.

Julie Richards Hamilton lived her life fully, with grace and integrity. She lived her values of honesty and responsibility. She was kind, respectful, and compassionate toward others in all areas of her life. She focused on the positives and would not gossip or speak negatively of anyone. She lived her passions for learning, growing, and deepening her connection to the humanities and the world through literature, study and worldwide travel. In her 80s she took a class in writing memoir, resulting in her memoir “Born in a Tent.” She loved to laugh, dance, and have fun.

Family came first for Julie. Her home was always warm, open, and welcoming. Holidays were festive and special and generous. We will always treasure our home with her and hold her unconditional love in our hearts.

The family wishes to express their love and gratitude to C & E Assisted Living and their wonderful loving caretakers: Cynthia Tasco, Eloise Battieste, Courtney Norman, Glenda Emery, Amanda Plummer, and Gloria Turner. They brightened her days, cared for her life and nourished her soul for 10 years.

Donations in her memory may be made to: Friends of the Animals Baton Rouge, [email protected], 8476 Highland Rd. 70808, 225-239-7368 or The Hospice of Baton Rouge, hospicebr.org, 3600 Florida Blvd. 70806, 225-767-4673.