Julie Watkins Hall

Julie Hall There are times when the angels among us are called home far too soon. Such is the case with Julie Hall. Rarely do we find someone so full of positive energy, who radiated good will and understanding, who always put others first and who worked so tirelessly to make life better for everyone around her. Her presence in this world left an indelible mark on everyone she met and her absence from this world leaves a void that will never be filled. Julie Hall never met a stranger. She fit in everywhere and without exception, every person she met knew instantly that her attention and interest in them were genuine. She earned their confidence and trust and, in the words of so many, she was a “giver” who just loved life. Above all, Julie loved and cared for her family. Her Mom was her very best friend but at the same time, she was the ultimate Daddy’s girl. She told everyone she had the best parents anyone could have and she was always thankful for their love and support. She knew they wanted her to have the best life had to offer. She dearly loved her protective brother – through thick and thin. She was her Grandfather’s “Miss Priss” and loved how special she felt every time he called her by that name. In 2009, Julie met the love of her life – Mike Hall. All who knew her know that planning her beautiful wedding was the most enjoyable thing she ever did. May 7th, 2011 was undoubtedly the best day of Julie’s life. She was so happy to be building a life with Mike and their beautiful daughter Ashley. Her motto was “From This Day Forward” and as Mike has often said, “Every day with Julie is the best day of my life.” To Ashley, Julie was a second Mom – the term stepmother just never seemed to fit. Julie brought her unique and cherished gifts to her work as well. As Director of Operations at Keystone, Julie’s talents ensured that each customer’s special needs were well understood and her greatest reward was working to ensure that each of her employees had a great day at work, every day. No one could ask for a better boss than Julie. If you really wanted to see Julie’s zest for life, you only had to walk into her home. All throughout the year, Julie took every opportunity to decorate for every season. To her, decorating was the best way to celebrate and life always offered something to celebrate. If you were lucky, drop by on game day to see her decked out in her Redskins attire while she and Mike watched the game with Gizmo wearing his Redskins bandana. Her other favorite activities were reading, dancing and shopping – and she never came home without something for Mike. Surrounding herself with the people she cherished and making a beautiful home for Mike and Ashley gave her great joy, which she freely shared with others. Like most of us, Julie also faced adversity. Her gracious spirit and caring nature sustained her through her father’s prolonged illness. Her daily attention to his needs was inspirational to all around her and despite the demands on her time to care for him during his final months, she never complained or lost her positive outlook on life. For Julie, the difficult tasks of caring for her Dad were a privilege, not a burden. To the end, she was her Daddy’s girl. Julie is survived by her loving and adoring husband Mike and their daughter Ashley. Her mother, Linda mourns her passing while her father, Stuart has reunited with her in Heaven. She is survived by her brother Melvin and wife Lisa, her mother-in-law Brenda, her sister-in-law Michele, husband Travis and nieces Morgan and Madison. She leaves behind numerous aunts, uncles and cousins as well as her furry companions, Gizmo and Prissy, who are beside themselves and wondering where their Momma is. As you speak with the people who knew Julie best, there is a marked consistency in how she is remembered. She is a one-in-a-million person, so giving to everyone around her, who can only be described as caring, selfless and loving. The deep grief felt at her passing is a strong reflection of the love and admiration she enjoyed from those around her. However, those who are privileged enough to call Julie a friend know exactly what she would tell us at this moment: “Just be happy. Life is short.” Julie Hall’s life was far too short. Her memory and the gifts of love and friendship that she offered so freely to those who knew her, however, will continue forever.