Julie Renee Williams' Obituary
Juliet Renee Williams, known to her family and many friends as Julie, passed from this life on March 29, 2017, due to complications from ovarian cancer. She has now rejoined her much beloved late husband, Douglas, who preceded her in death on November 2, 2016.
Juliet Renee Drossel was born in New York City, Borough of Manhattan, on May 4, 1958, the daughter of Phyllis Little and Donald R. Drossel. She lived in New York City until age 8, when her parents divorced and she moved with her mother to the home of her grandparents in Atlanta. Julie graduated from Henry Grady High School in 1976, with the ceremony held at the “Fabulous Fox Theater”. Following graduation, she worked in the family business.
One of Julie’s great passions as a young girl was dancing, and she was very active as a clogger. In 1980 she met an aspiring young drummer and vocalist named Doug Williams at an event in which they were both performing, and an instant friendship was formed with “the kindest man I ever knew”. Following an automobile accident in which Julie suffered a broken leg, she was invited to stay with Doug’s mother in Mableton while she recuperated. During that time, love blossomed and “Team DougandJulie” was born. The couple married on July 31, 1982, and proceeded to live, laugh and love through 34 years of an incredible marriage.
Doug and Julie shared a great passion for Civil War reenacting, and spent many weekends together “in the field”, honoring their Southern heritage. Julie was an acknowledged expert in women’s style, fashion and etiquette of the Civil War era, and co-authored a book on the subject of jewelry, primarily the hair jewelry so popular at the time. Both Doug and Julie were well beloved by their fellow reenactors.
Julie was also a student of writing, and won recognition for the work she did as part of the formal courses of instruction she pursued. One of her trophies was the “fuzzy pen award” for an article she authored in one of her classes.
Julie also loved clowning, and made many a child – and quite a few adults – smile while in her character as Pockets the Clown.
Truly, there has never been a couple who were better suited to one another. And, truly, “DougandJulie” was one word. Each of them was the ideal partner for the other, and their families and wide circle of friends have over the years given thanks to God that each had the other. They truly lived their marriage vows, as the years of fun and excitement gave way to periods of incredible challenge. Julie’s character and devotion were clearly demonstrated as she cared for Doug during numerous illnesses, surgeries and recoveries. And he likewise gave his all to Julie during her 28 month battle with “the Emperor of All Maladies”. Julie was lost without Doug. And now, their lives have gone full circle and they are together again, for all time.
Julie was preceded in death by her mother, Phyllis Little, and by her beloved husband Doug. She is survived by her brother in law, David Williams (Patty) of Oak Harbor, WA, her nephew John Williams (Vicky) of Renton, WA, her niece Lee Williams of Alameda, CA, uncle George and Pamela Little of Buford, and uncle Bob and aunt Linda Little of Simi Valley, CA. She is also survived by her adopted family, which includes David and Gina Haney, Bill and Teresa Davis, Rhett and Peggy Wynn,Allen and Sheri Dresser, Laurie and Steve Friedman, Benny and Gail Boynton, and the wide family of friends whose lives were touched by Julie, and by Doug. They both will be forever missed, and all that they touched will be forever enriched by the experience.
A Celebration of Life will be held on Tuesday April 4, 2017, at Davis-Struempf Funeral Home Chapel with Rev. Tommy Chapman officiating. The family will receive friends from 2:00 to 4:00 pm prior to the service. A joint interment will take place at 11:00 AM on Wednesday April 5, as Doug and Julie join Doug’s parents David L. and Nancy C. Williams in the family plot at Greenwood Cemetery. Family and friends are invited to participate in that service as well.
In lieu of flowers, donations in Julie’s memory to the American Cancer Society are encouraged.
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