Julia “Jule” Bates Breland

COLUMBIA – A memorial service for Julia “Jule” Bates Breland, 93, will be held at 2:00 p. m. Wednesday, May 25, 2022 at Shandon Presbyterian Church. The family will receive friends from 1:00 p.m. to 1:45 p.m. prior to the service and at a reception following the service at the church.

Mrs. Breland passed away Friday, May 13, 2022. Born in Charleston, S.C., she was the daughter of the late Mayor Lester Lee Bates, Sr. and Julia Kathryn Burk Bates. She was a graduate of Columbia High School, attended Columbia College and graduated from the University of South Carolina. Mrs. Breland, along with her mother, founded and owned The (Julia) Bates School where she taught and also served as Headmistress.

Mrs. Breland’s community service activities and hobbies included: Women’s Club of Columbia (2 term President); Columbia Chamber of Commerce Round Table; Columbia Community Committee for Internationals; Richland County Fashion Board; Community Television Advisory Board; Midlands Association for Citizens; SC Disabilities and Special Needs Board (Chairman); Gardenia Garden Club of Columbia (VP); Governor’s SC Safety Council; Shepherd’s Center of Columbia (President); The Symphony League; Advisory Board of the Columbia Museum of Art; Elder/Deacon in the Presbyterian church; and, participation, throughout her life, in church choirs and as an organist and pianist.

Awards and honors for Mrs. Breland included: SC State Clubwoman of the Year Award; Richland County Fashion Board Award; Gold Lily Award from SC Crippled Children’s Assoc.; Best Tressed Award by Columbia Hairdresser’s Assoc.; and, honored in Personalities of the South, World Who’s Who of Women; Community Leaders and Noteworthy Americans.

Surviving are her husband of 66 years, Dr. John Harold Breland; her two daughters, Julia Leslie Breland Jagmin (Lance) of Athens, GA, and Lee Bates Breland Foster (Jim) of Beaufort County, SC, and two beloved granddaughters, Julia Kathryn Jagmin and Breland Anne Foster. In addition to her parents, Mrs. Breland was predeceased by her brother, Lester L. Bates, Jr.

A life well-lived, she is remembered for the love of her family, her dedication to the Lord and her indomitable spirit. She was distinguished as a leader among family, friends, church and the community. Her guidance of many young people through school, church and in the community created an ongoing legacy for her life.

The family wishes to thank Brookdale Columbia, Right at Home, and Agape Hospice for their service and care.

Memorials may be made to Shepherd’s Center of Columbia.

Dunbar Funeral Home, Devine Street Chapel, is assisting the family. Memories may be shared at www. dunbarfunerals.com.