Julia Tillery Obituary

Julia Tillery, beloved wife of Willie Don Tillery, passed away from this life August 29, 2023.

She was born in Drip Rock, KY to the later John D. & Ada Lakes Carroll on November 10, 1938. She married James Avery Sparks on December 23, 1961, and he preceded her in death August 13, 1999.

She and Don Tillery were married for over twenty years, leaving Don and his two adult children, Lisa and Chris, to mourn her passing.

She was preceded in death by three brothers (Elihu, Monroe and Luther) and five sisters (Ruth, Edith, Ruby, Ethylene, and Arnettia). She is survived by one brother (Charles) and by two sisters (Mary & Lula).

While Julia did not have any biological children, she felt extremely blessed to be “Juje” to three daughters of her heart, Ashley (Shannon) Wells, Brittany (Daniel) Abel, and Tiffany Alexander, who preceded her in death. Julia also loved being “Aunt Julie” to twenty-nine nieces and nephews, and many more grand- and great- grand-nieces and nephews.

Julia was raised in a Christian home and gave her heart to Jesus at a young age. She tried always to live her life as she was directed by scripture, especially modeling love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, gentleness, faithfulness, meekness, and self-control. She cared for everyone she met. She was always available to provide a comforting and loving presence, and prayers for any needs she sensed. When she smiled at you, you knew you’d been bathed in love.

Julia was a member of the Deer Stable Church of God. She clung to God’s promise that he would never leave us nor forsake us, especially in the last few months of her life.

Funeral services will be held 1:00 PM Saturday, September 2, 2023 at Lakes Funeral Home with Bro. Kevin Cooper and Bro. David Flannery officiating. Burial to follow in the Steele Cemetery. Lakes Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements. www.lakesfuneralhomemckee.com