Julia Mae Rivers
February 6, 1942 - October 11, 2011
Obituary
Julia Mae Rivers was born February 6, 1942 in Brownsville, Tennessee to Paul Rivers and Eleanor B. (Tools) Rogers. Julia’s family moved to Seattle, Washington and settled in the Yesler Terrace Housing Project. She attended catholic school for elementary through junior high school, graduating from Garfield High School. Julia was the beloved mother of two children, Deborah Higgins and Walter Lee Grace III. Julia was dedicated to working with the Washington State Department of Social and Human Services for more than 40 years – helping others to improve their lives. For those who had the wonderful opportunity to meet her, you would say she had a way about her that would leave a lasting impression on you. To truly know her was to love her. She was actively involved in the planning of the Annual Yesler Terrace Reunion. Julia enjoyed playing the lottery and shopping from time to time. One of her favorite past times was going to casinos with her family and good friends. On October 11, 2011, our mother, sister, friend and confidante, Julia Mae Rivers, left this life to be with her maker. She is predeceased by her father, Paul Rivers and grandson Walter Lee Grace IV. She leaves to mourn her mother, Eleanor B. Rogers; brothers Earl E. (Shelley) Ashford, John C. (LaTonya) Rogers Jr., Jeffery C. Rogers of Atlanta, GA; sisters Margret K. Ashford of Los Angeles, CA, Sandra Ashford, Linda (Willie) Calloway; children Deborah Higgins, Walter Lee (Alma) Grace III; grandsons Craig Devon Davis, Brylie Grace, Alonzo Gallegos; great granddaughters Adrianna Davis, Le’Ajanae Jackson of Portland, OR and a host of great and grand nieces and nephews. We will all truly miss you and your beautiful smile. We love you Judy.
My prayers and thoughts are with the family, Julia will be missed.
To Julie’s Family,
May the peace of God be with you. Julie was a beautiful person. Much Love……..RIP Miss Julie.
I just found out about Julia’s passing when my sister mentioned it during Thanksgiving Dinner. I am so saddened. She was a wonderful next door neighbor during my high school years as she lived right across the street from my parents house. Always helpful and kind but stern when she had to be. Last time I talked to her was about four years ago, when I went to buy her old Corvair. She told me she was about to retire then, but I guess she must have loved her job and stayed on. RIP Julia Rivers.
I know you are no longer bothered with world Julie but if you were able to hear me, I would want you to know that a lot of us at work still think about you and miss you. There was something about you I think it was your feisty (to say the least) that made me want to get to know you. I couldn’t wait to get to work to hear what you were going to say that day that was going to catch people off guard. You were so funny to me and cuz some people didn’t get you, made the situation more funny. I miss you Julie. Wig, sweats, hat, house shoes and all.
Hi Julia I was shocked and saddened about your transition. However, I know this life is just a way station; nothing or no one ever truly goes away. I was doing my triannual call and came across this information. You were such a great help to me when I visited your wonderful state,twice. You didn’t run away or play coy, that’s what I LOVED about you. You were real. You touched my soul and will forever remain my cous!
Earl E Ashford Jr