Julia C. Williams

Julia C. Williams, a longtime resident of Abilene, Texas, passed away July 6, 2011 after a long illness. She was a member of Holy Family Catholic Church in Abilene. Julia was born August 27, 1920 in Eden (Concho County), Texas. She graduated valedictorian of her senior class in 1938. She studied at Draughn Business College in San Antonio, Texas, after which she worked as a legal secretary for many years. She was preceded in death by her parents, Pryor and Mary Cochran, and three brothers, Joe Lee, Francis, and James Cochran. Julia is survived by her daughters, Kathy (Steve) Atchley of Haleyville, Alabama, and Karen (Cecil) Hale of Abilene; two sons, Kenneth Williams of Red Oak, Texas, and Keith Williams of Abilene; five grandchildren and four great-grandchildren. Julia loved being sociable and never met a stranger. She loved reading, particularly Nancy Drew Mystery Books. She also loved country music and dancing, and birds and animals. She always kept her family and friends in her prayers. Visitation will be Friday, July 8, from 5:00 to 7:00 p.m. followed by a rosary at 7:00 p.m. at The Hamil Family Funeral Home, 6449 Buffalo Gap Road in Abilene. Funeral mass will be held at 10:00 a.m. Saturday, July 9, at Holy Family Catholic Church in Abilene with Father Fred Nawarskas officiating. Interment will follow at 3:00 p.m. in Eden Cemetery in Eden, Texas The family expresses a special "thank you" to all who cared for Julia, treating her with gentleness, compassion and love. Julia was a wonderful mother and taught her children well. She was always a lady. She loved life and had a strong will to live. Mama was the strongest lady we've ever known. "Mama, we all love you very much. We'll see ya."