Julie "GiGi" Golden DePew

It is with heavy hearts that we announce the peaceful passing of Julie “GiGi” Golden DePew, beloved wife, mother, stepmother, grandmother, step-grandmother, and friend. She lost her long, well-fought battle with ovarian cancer on November 1, 2024, at UAB’s Palliative Care Unit at the age of 64.

Julie was born on December 7, 1959, in Louisiana to Timothy “Jack” and Dorothy “Dot” Golden. She received her formal education in Louisiana and Alabama. She earned an undergraduate degree from Samford University in Birmingham and retired from AT&T after numerous years of service.

She met her husband, Mel, through mutual friends, and they married on May 4, 2004. She was blessed with a daughter, Ashlee, and two grandchildren, Braydon and Lacey from a previous marriage (d. Lyn Edward Lowery); two stepchildren, Sean and Jessica, and three step-grandchildren, Alayna, Cayden, and Michael.

Throughout her life she was known for her unwavering love for her family, friends, and pets. She always saw the good in people and was thoughtful of others. She did not hesitate to help others even when challenged with her own health issues. She had strong, practicing faith and was passionate about attending and supporting her grandchildren’s sporting events, family gatherings, staying healthy and fit, walking Gracie and Zazie, and enjoying her coffee, sewing and shopping. She supported cancer research by regularly participating in the annual Norma Livingston Ovarian Cancer Foundation’s Mother Walk.

Julie was preceded in death by her parents, Timothy “Jack” and Dorothy “Dot” Golden; brother Steven “Steve” Golden (Jimmy Bishop); sister, Jackie Dunnaway (d. Charles), and, daughter, Ashlee Nicole Lowery Polzin (dv. Jason Polzin). She is survived by her husband of 20 years, Melvin Michael DePew; grandchildren, Braydon Chase Lowery and Lacey Elizabeth Polzin; stepchildren, Sean Michael DePew and Jessica Frances DePew Boyer (dv. Stefan Luke Boyer, Clayton Coy Overstreet); step-grandchildren, Alayna Mary Boyer, Cayden Coy Overstreet, and Michael Wade Overstreet; and several nieces and nephews.

A Funeral Mass, Christian Memorial, and Celebration of Life will be held at Our Lady of the Valley Catholic Church, 5514 Double Oak Lane, Birmingham, AL 35242 on Tuesday, November 5, 2024, at 10:00 am, by Father Thomas Kelly, Pastor. A time of visitation with family and friends before the service begins at 9:00 am. The Rite of Committal by Father Kelly will be following the service at Southern Heritage Funeral Home and Cemetery, 475 Cahaba Valley Road, Pelham, 35124.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations to be made to The Norma Livingston Ovarian Cancer Foundation, P.O. Box 43826, Birmingham, AL 35243.

Julie will be deeply missed by all who were blessed to know her, but her spirit and love for others will live on in the hearts of family and friends. May she now rest in peace in God’s loving embrace.

Southern Heritage Funeral Home, officiating.