Julia H. Brass Woodard Young

Julia was born in Daytona Beach on November 2, 1935 to Emma and Henry Welch (though official records list her birth date as November 3rd). At the age of 6, she moved with her family to become a lifelong resident of Brooksville. Her mother later remarried to Willie Hazelton, who helped raise Julia and her siblings.

Julia married Bishop Archie Brass Sr. in October of 1952. Together they had four children before his passing in September 1962. In September 1964, Julia married Archie “Woody” Woodard, and together they had two children. They later blended families when Woody’s three children joined their home, bringing them a total of nine, and keeping them very busy. They watched together as their children and their children’s children grew to have families of their own, until Woody’s passing in 2004. In 2009, Julia married Donald Young and they lived in Timber Pines until he passed in 2017. Julia then returned to the old homestead in the Hammock and fulfilled her and Woody’s dream of turning the old shop into a home.

Julia was known by many names. She was Mom, Grandma, Mamaw, Granny, GG, Mawmaw, Aunt Julia, and Aunt Julie. She was also the Candy Fairy. She made sure the grandkids were always supplied with candy, but never got the credit. Woody would swoop in to deliver the candy, and she would say nothing, silently letting him get all the credit. To her family, friends, and neighbors she was known as THE Cake Lady! Everyone looked forward to baking days, as she always had what she called “cake scraps” to give to whoever showed up to devour them! She baked the most delicious, sweet cakes. Cake scraps were what was discarded when she cut the cakes to make them level. Of course, she always put the leftover icing on the side. Nothing went to waste.

Julia was known best for her artistic talent, which was making beautiful cakes. Baking started as a hobby and quickly became a full-time job. She baked generations of wedding cakes, birthday cakes, baby shower cakes, wedding shower cakes, and cakes just to say, “I Love You.” Cooking, baking, and feeding others was how Julia showed her love. She had a lot of love to give. She made thousands of cakes over 70 years, even teaching classes to more than a hundred bakers.

Julia was a charter member of Community Baptist Church beginning in 1965. She was known as the pulse because she coordinated all church meals and anything to do with the kitchen during her tenure. She was always the expert in the kitchen and never forgot the dessert! Julia cooked for church holidays, events, and often delivered meals and groceries to community members in need. She was a devout Christian and loved God.

Woody wanted to build an egg producing chicken farm on their homestead and Julia supported that endeavor. Shortly after the build, Woody survived a heart attack, so Julia and the children stepped up to run the business until they sold it in 1978.

Later, she worked for Spartan Electronics where she worked in several departments over the years. Even there, they knew her as The Cake Lady.

Julia also enjoyed sewing, crocheting, chip carving, ceramics, painting, and gardening. Christmas was her favorite holiday. Every year, we knew that her house was going to be lit up and humming with the Christmas Spirit.

Underneath the strong, no-nonsense exterior was a dedicated mother and grandmother and a compassionate listener. If you ever needed a listening ear, chances are Julia had life experience and wisdom to draw from.

With all her strength, she left an indelible mark on those who loved her. Her children and grandchildren know that they will always carry something learned from her. She taught them how to cook the best southern food, decorate cakes, and know how to survive what life sent your way. Whatever she passed on will be carried like a treasure.

Julia is preceded in death by her first husband, Bishop Archie Brass Sr.; her second husband, Archie “Woody” Woodard; her third husband, Donald Young; her daughter, Connie Brass Dodd; her son, Jody Lynn Woodard; her grandsons, Charles “Chuck” Humfleet, Michael Brass, and Jacob Langworthy; great-great-grandchild, Delsin Puckett; siblings, Marion “Sissy” Budowski and Albert Welch.

Julia is survived by many who love her and will miss her dearly: her sons, Leo Brass (Ann) of Homosassa FL, Henry Brass (Shelia) of Brooksville FL, and Bishop Brass Jr. of Miami FL; her daughter, Melanie Langworthy (Alan) of Brooksville FL; her stepsons, Clyde Woodard (Debbie) of Burlington NC and Erman Woodard of Sacramento CA; stepdaughter, Misti Humfleet (Danny) of Live Oak FL; 26+ grandchildren, 52+ great-grandchildren, and 18+ great-great-grandchildren; and many nieces, nephews, and cousins.

A Visitation for family and friends will be held from 1:00-2:00pm, Thursday, July 17, 2025 at Merritt Funeral Home (2 South Lemon Avenue, Brooksville FL 34601), where Funeral Services begin at 2:00pm. Interment will be private at Florida National Cemetery, Bushnell, Florida.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Community Baptist Church.

A special consideration is given, in thanks, to Julia’s daughter, Melanie, who tirelessly and faithfully cared for her during her final months and to whom Julia asked (quite unironically), “Do you ever sit down?” Thank you for caring for the woman who cared for us all.