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BORN
1949
DIED
2018
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Julie Williams Obituary
Nashville - Dr. Julie "San" Brown Williams, 69, of Nashville, Tennessee, died on October 8, 2018, surrounded by family. She was born June 5, 1949, in Daytona Beach, Florida, the daughter of the late Richard and Ruth Brown of Edisto Island, South Carolina. She was the second of four daughters and was raised in Winnsboro, South Carolina.
On June 28, 1969, she married Robert "BeBe" Williams. They moved to Nashville, Tennessee where she began her career in education. She spent thirty-five years as a teacher and administrator in the Metro Nashville Public Schools. Under her leadership as principal at Hunters Lane High School, she was responsible for instituting Nashville's first and Tennessee's second International Baccalaureate program. In 2004, Dr. Williams retired from the Metropolitan Nashville Public Schools as Assistant Superintendent for High Schools.
Following that retirement, she served as a State Specialist for the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools and as an Exemplary Educator with the State Department of Education. In 2007, she was asked to take the leadership at Maplewood High School, where she was credited with turning the school around from a failing school to a school in "good standing" according to NCLB Standards, in the minimum number of years (2). At the end of the 2010 school year, she retired again and served as an adjunct professor at Belmont University and at American Baptist College in Nashville. She also served as the Director of School Programs at Smithson-Craighead Charter School in Nashville.
Julie was an active member of 15th Avenue Baptist Church for 49 years. She was an avid Bridge player- belonging to two Bridge clubs: Queen of Hearts and Mississippi Mudd; a lifetime member of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Incorporated; and a member of The Links, Incorporated with alumna status.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 38 years, the late Dr. Robert Williams; her parents, Richard and Ruth Brown; and her sister, Jacqueline Dukes. She leaves to cherish her memory her three devoted children- Allan Richard (Carol) Williams, Dr. Thomas Christopher (Heather) Williams, and Robyn Cassandra (Toriano) Green, J.D.; two sisters-Abigail (Col. Curtis, Army, ret.) Taylor and Richardene (Vice Adm. David, Navy, ret.) Brewer; eight grandchildren-Cameron Williams, Avery Williams, Allison Williams, Brandon Williams, Camille Williams, Lauren Williams, Torian Green, and Thomas Green; brother-in-law, Dr. LeRoy Williams; god-children: Twjuana "TJ" Williams, Tracey Ivey, and Sharonda Estmond; and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives, and friends.
A public viewing will be held on Thursday, October 18, 2018, from 10:00am-2:00pm at Lewis and Wright Funeral Home (2500 Clarksville Hwy., Nashville, TN 37208) and visitation with the family from 6:00pm-8:00pm at Fifteenth Avenue Baptist Church (1203 9th Avenue North, Nashville, TN 37208). The Links, Inc. and Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. members are asked to be at the visitation by 5:00pm. The service for Dr. Julie B. Williams will be held on Friday, October 19, 2018, at Fifteenth Avenue Baptist Church. Visitation will begin at 9:30am with the service to follow at 10:30am. Interment will be at the Middle Tennessee Veterans Cemetery (7931 McCrory Ln., Nashville, TN 37221) at 1:00pm. Lewis & Wright Funeral Directors 615-255-2371
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Memories and Condolences
for Julie Williams
Sponsored by Lewis & Wright Funeral Directors.
Dinah Mason
November 27, 2018
I met her at the beginning of the year, we celebrated New Year's together and it was one I will not forget. I am blessed to have known such an amazing woman. To the family, may God be the Glory and may He keep you all in perfect peace
Nancy Startup
October 25, 2018
Robyn, Allan, and family,
I was so sorry to hear of your mother's passing. I never had the pleasure of working with her, but I know she was a very well respected and beloved educator and leader.
Allan, I remember having you in my math class at Ewing Park. You were smart as a whip and quite a talker.
Robyn, you were in my P.E. class and on my track team. I also coached you in summer track. A few years later, I had the pleasure of seeing how much you had grown up and matured as a young lady when you were teaching and helping Coach Tribue with track at Hunter's Lane.
It's always so rewarding to see my former students doing so well.
Tommy, some how I missed teaching you, but my good friend Kathy Gray Moore taught you at Hunter's Lane and said that you were a great person too.
Please accept my heartfelt condolences. I will continue to pray for all of you, your family and your mother's friends.
Much love,
Coach Nancy Startup
Phil Alderman
October 21, 2018
My wife and I send our deepest condolences to the family of Dr. Williams. I taught at HLHS while she was principal, and I completely respected her professionalism, wisdom, and compassion for each teacher and student at HLHS! In fact, a reference from her is why I have the job I have today! She was the best boss I've ever had, and her passing leaves a huge hole in education.
Natasha Slee
October 19, 2018
Dr Williams may your legacy live on through your children and grandchildren! My heart is broken! RIP beautiful lady!
Claudean Clariette
October 19, 2018
Dr Julie Williams was a mentor to my daughter. (Candra C. Clariette) Dr. Williams showed compassion and love to Candra as new teacher to the district. She inspired Candra to go further in her educational pursuit. I am truly grateful to Dr. Williams for being a role model to Candra and being in both of our lives. She will surely be missed as champion in the Educational Field.
Mrs. Claudean C. Clariette
Memphis Tn.
Joseph Hodges
October 19, 2018
To the Williams family- I am sorry for your loss. I was a student of Dr. Williams at Hunters lane and I graduated in 1997. In the spring of that year I was an office worker for your mom. I remember once she came in and someone had parked in her parking spot so after they had left she gave me the keys to her car and asked me to move it. It was a honor to me that she trusted me enough to do that for her.
Kimberly Washington
October 18, 2018
You were the mom away from home. You always commanded better of all of your students and for that, you have my utmost respect. Forever the epitome of HLHS mascot. #TrueWarrior fighting for the education excellence for all under your tutelage. Rest in Light and Love. Forever Dr. Julie B.
Quincy Byrdsong
October 18, 2018
My deepest condolences to the family of Dr. Julie Williams. Although we mourn the loss, we celebrate the life of a truly phenomenal woman, mother, wife, and educator. Dr. Williams, you will be truly missed. Blessed are those who die in the Lord.
October 18, 2018
Condolences to the family of this incredible woman. Such a legacy! With her lifelong contributions, the world is a better place because she was here. It was an honor and privilege to know her.
Sincerest regards,
Carmen Roach
Lateasha Sadler-Johnson
October 18, 2018
There's so much good to say about Dr. Williams. She was the true definition of phenomenal, she held the highest standard of integrity, and definitely a legacy!! I love you mama2, we love you Gammy, WE LOVE YOU & miss you already!
October 18, 2018
To the Williams children - I am truly sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. Please accept our condolences and may the prayers of our family help comfort yours. -Rev. Anthony & Mrs. Kacy Jones & children
Ramona Green Hunt
October 18, 2018
My heart is saddened like many, many others. Dr. Williams' legacy will always live on, never be forgotten & will always be admired & respected as a no nonsense educator, as a dedicated church member, as a genuinely kind & caring person. My prayers & condolences to Allan, Tommy, Robyn & the entire Williams family.
Jamey Grimes
October 18, 2018
Dr. Williams took me to see Maya Angelou - two phenomenal women. Praying for the family. Love you Rob! - - - Jamey Grimes
Steven Gough
October 18, 2018
One of my favorite teachers of all time. I will definitely miss you!
Nita Smith
October 17, 2018
So many of our collective sentiments about Dr. Julie Williams' legacy reaffirm her passion as an advocate for everything that pertains to education and youth empowerment. She was my mentor as the Executive Principal at Hunters Lane HS and loved the Hunters Lane Show Choir! She was my mentor at church working with the youth & children's music ministry insisting that I could handle multiple projects like she did! Most recently Julie became my mentor for grad school lending constant advice & tons of encouragement. I will be forever grateful for her love, her compassion and her wisdom. Our prayers go out to the Williams family during this time of bereavement and in the days and months ahead.
Deacon Robert (Nita) Smith and family
Elizabeth Smith
October 17, 2018
Dr. Julie Williams was one of my favorite Sunday school and bible study teachers. She made learning about God fun and relatable. Everyone knew Dr. Williams played no games! She was truly a blessing to every child who crossed her path and will be missed dearly! Love you Mrs. Julie!
Janet Flagg-Hoard
October 17, 2018
I am deeply saddened by the loss of a remarkable and gifted educator. When Dr. Williams was the Principal at Hunters Lane, she hired me to serve as a faculty member. Her dedication to the students we served was ever present and undeniable. Early on she urged me to "never give up on them" when there were challenges.
I often boast that Dr. Williams was MY FAVORITE Principal. I will cherish her memory.
Judyth Jones
October 17, 2018
My Deepest And Sincere Sympathy To The Family.
RIH Dr. Julie! You Have Earned Your Wings
Nathaniel B. Grimes
October 17, 2018
Deeply saddened and heartbroken by this loss. Dr. Williams was another mother for me at school (Hunters Lane) and at the baseball park. Tommy, Robyn, Al, my most heartfelt condolences.
Ruth Byrdsong
October 17, 2018
To the Williams children, my prayers go out to each of you. You are part of my family in many ways, and our relationship over the years has been great! Please reach out to me for anything that I can do for you now or in the future. Stay strong and take care of each other, and God will give you the peace you need! Love you guys! Ruth Byrdsong
Arnetta Osborne
October 17, 2018
Praying for the family.
Osborne and Wade Family
Andrew Dixon
October 17, 2018
The light of Dr. Julie Williams will continue to shine through you all. May the Lord keep you and bless you!
Michelle Jackson
October 16, 2018
I Love you Auntie RIP
Angela Schmidt
October 15, 2018
Our hearts are saddened by your loss and our thoughts and prayers are with you.
Avalon Hospice
Glenda White
October 15, 2018
She was such a great educator and caring person!
My prayers go out to the family and friends!
Glenda White
Clarence Payne
October 14, 2018
Praying for your family. Dr. Williams was always showed me so much caring in how she instructed me to be a good young man. She helped mold me into the person that I am today!
Laura Cass- George
October 14, 2018
Dr. Williams was such a great principal at Hunters Lane High School, and I enjoyed every day of the years that I taught under her leadership. This is such a loss of a wonderful person. Dr. Williams, you will be dearly missed. Thank you for your strong dedication to the education of the youth in Metro Nashville.
Brenda Elliott
October 13, 2018
Dr. Williams,
Thanks for all that you taught me as a young principal in MNPS. Your positive influence on the educators and school leaders in Nashville lives on.
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