Julia C Colton

NASHVILLE – Julia Champion Colton, age 83, passed away peacefully on October 29, 2024. Julia was born June 1, 1941 in Ridgely, Tennessee. Her family moved to Nashville as her father helped guide the development of the Tennessee Interstate Highway System. She attended Woodmont Elementary School, Hillsboro High School, and Peabody College.

After graduating from Peabody College in 1963 with a bachelor’s degree in Education, Julia married the love of her life, John Overton Colton, who was in the Army at that time. They began their married life in Mineral Wells, Texas, where John was stationed and Julia began teaching in the local elementary school.

Following John’s discharge from the Army, they moved in succession to Roanoke, Virginia, and Miami, Florida, where John was employed by General Foods Corporation. Their first child, Candice, was born in 1967 while they were living in Miami.

Julia was thrilled to return home to Nashville when John joined Hospital Corporation of America in 1968, where they lived throughout the rest of their married life. Their second daughter, Julie, was born in Nashville in 1973.

Julia was an ardent lover of animals and for many years headed the volunteer unit of the Nashville Humane Association. She often rose at 6 a.m. to help feed the dogs and cats at the shelter when there was no staff to do so. Her family often laughs as they never knew what variety or how many new lucky pets would make their way home with Julia. The Humane Association now presents the annual Julia Colton Volunteer Award to a person who displays Julia’s enthusiasm for animals.

Julia was also an active volunteer at Harding Academy, where her girls attended school. She was a member of the Junior League of Nashville and for many years taught Sunday School at Belle Meade United Methodist Church.

Julia will be remembered for her radiant smile, energetic spirit, and vivacious personality. She had a passion for life and always put others before herself.

She is survived by her devoted husband of 61 years, John Overton Colton, and her loving children, Candice Colton Bass (Jim) and Julie Colton Jones (Richard), both of Nashville. Julia is also survived by her five beloved grandchildren, Josephine and Orin Bass, and Saidee, Ella and Clayton Jones, all of Nashville, as well as by her sister Linda Puckett of Chattanooga. She was preceded in death by her parents, Garland Ryals and Ogden Harrington Champion, and her sister, Patricia Champion Frist.

The family wishes to express their heartfelt appreciation to Julia’s caregivers LaQuita Christian, Clara Christian, and Kimberly Vaughn, as well as to the entire Richland Place Health Community, for their years of kind and faithful care of Julia. They have honored her in many ways during her years at Richland Place and have named their dining room The Julia Room.

A graveside service with family and close friends will be held at 11:00 a.m. on November 12 at Mount Hope Cemetery in Franklin.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Julia’s memory to the Nashville Humane Association or the Belle Meade United Methodist Church.