Mrs. Julia Williams

Julia Mae Lewis was born in Mount Holly, Arkansas on May 16, 1948 to Willie and Janie Lewis. Shortly after her birth, the family relocated to Kilgore, Texas, where she was raised and educated. Julia attended and was baptized at New Light Baptist Church, where she was active in Sunday School and other church activities. She attended Fredonia Elementary School and C.B. Dansby High School, graduating in 1966 in the top ten percent of her class. During her high school years, she was a proud member of the girls’ championship basketball team and was honored as the 1965 Homecoming Queen. Julia went on to attend Kilgore College for three semesters beginning in the fall of 1966, where she focused on general education and business courses.

In 1968, she welcomed her one and only child, Charles Bernard Whitaker. She raised him alongside family until meeting and marrying her husband, Arlis Dale Williams. After moving to Fort Worth, Julia continued using her business and communications skills at the local telephone company, later retiring from AT&T. She spent several years working at the United States Postal Service. She attended Antioch Missionary Baptist Church, where she served on the Deaconess Board, Culinary Committee, and ministered to many through service to the sick and shut-in. When she wasn’t serving and supporting her family and friends you could catch her working in the most beautiful yard in the neighborhood, watching true crime television and sports.

She is survived by her husband of 44 years, Arlis Dale Williams, her son Charles Bernard Whitaker, step-children Audrey Maxine (Alfonzo), Arlis Jr (Cynthia), Terry (Bettye), grandchildren, Jumesha (Jordan Sr), Breona, Bernard Jr, Asia, and eight great-grandchildren. Her siblings, John (Louvanna), Bruce (Kaye) and George (Janet), and long time friend Sammie Kennedy. A host of additional step-grandchildren & great-grandchildren, honorary grandchildren, nieces, nephews, and a host of other friends. Julia was preceded in death by her parents, Willie and Janie Lewis, and her brother Willie Joe Lewis.

Julia Mae Williams will be deeply missed and forever cherished in our hearts.