Julie (Houston) Elmer

Julie Houston Elmer, age 69 of Birmingham, AL, went peacefully to be with Jesus on October 22, 2024. Julie was born in Anniston, AL, and raised in Chulafinnee, AL, by her late parents, Charles and Bettie Houston. She was married to Dr. Ken Elmer for 41 years. She graduated from Jacksonville State University as a first-generation college student with a degree in political science, and she was crowned Miss Alabama in 1977, going on to represent the state of Alabama in the 1978 Miss America Pageant.

After college, Julie became a senate aide in Washington, D.C. She eventually returned to Alabama, where she met her husband, Ken, during rehearsals for the 1982 Miss Alabama pageant, bonding over their shared love of music. They married in 1983, between Ken finishing medical school at the University of Alabama, Birmingham, and starting his pediatric residency. Julie worked in radio advertising for Birmingham’s WQEZ and then Magic 96 until becoming a mother in 1985. She then dedicated all her time and effort to investing in the lives of their three children.

As a mother, Julie was the ultimate cheerleader and a constant source of encouragement. Even now, friends fondly remember Julie’s hospitality and household as a warm, welcoming place, always stocked with ice cream and her famous chocolate chip cookies. She and Ken were actively involved at Briarwood Presbyterian Church, serving together in the choir and praise team. After her children graduated from high school, she took on the full-time role of Briarwood’s Women’s Ministry Coordinator, a position she cherished for 10 years until her retirement in 2016.

Julie loved Jesus more than anything, and the way she chose to spend her time reflected this love. A gifted musician, she was always ready to sing a gospel hymn or accompany someone on the piano. In her spare time, Julie served as an assistant teaching director in Community Bible Study, where she led music, prepared and delivered biblical studies, trained leaders, and supported the spiritual growth of women in Birmingham. Even in retirement, during her battle with early-onset Alzheimer’s disease, she arranged and delivered flowers through Briarwood’s L.O.V.E. Ministries and volunteered at Restoration Academy, reading to children. Above all, she wanted her life to reflect the love of her Savior.

After nearly a decade of walking alongside her on the hard road of memory loss, Julie’s family rejoices in the promises of 2 Corinthians 5:17: “Therefore, if anyone is in Christ, he is a new creation. The old has passed away; behold, the new has come.” This was the story of her salvation, and they find comfort in knowing that Julie is now fully restored and with her Lord.

The family also expresses sincere gratitude for the years of loving support from friends and family during this difficult season, and to the Kingdom Builders Sunday School class, who brought weekly meals to the family for many years. The Elmers also extend their deepest appreciation to Gayle Griffith, who dedicated her days to being Julie’s constant companion and caretaker. Gayle’s unwavering love provided Julie with comfort and joy during her final years.

Julie is preceded in death by her parents, Charles and Bettie Houston, her brother, Charles Houston, her sister, Marie Payne, and her grandson, Isaac Elmer.

She is survived by her brother, David (Lynn) Houston, her brother-in-law, Ronnie Payne, her sister-in-law, Connie Houston, her husband, Ken, her children, LeighAnn, David (Laura), and Chip (Brittany), and her grandchildren, who knew her as their beloved “Juju”: Elliot (8), Maggie (5), Micah (4), and Caleb (1).

A celebration of Julie’s life will be held at Briarwood Presbyterian Church at 2:00 PM CT on Monday, October 28. Family will receive friends immediately before and following the service in the church lobby. In lieu of flowers, a memorial gift may be sent to the Briarwood Women’s Ministry and/or to Briarwood’s Mercy Ministry. Please visit https://briarwood.org/giving/ for more information on ways to give. For the Women’s Ministry, donations are accepted by check, sent by mail with "Women’s Ministry" noted in the memo. For the Mercy Ministry, donations may be made online (select “Mercy Ministry” from the dropdown options), or by check.