Julia was born on October 15, 1977 and immediately made her presence known. She then proceeded to be a loving daughter of her parents, Mary Lou and John Huffman. Her physical beauty grew through the years only to be surpassed by the presence of her great soul. Truly, she was a Child of God up to the moment she passed at the Prisma Health Richland County Emergency Room on August 10, 2024. Julie fought for life bravely and relentlessly to the very end. She did not go quietly into that good night. 

After being graduated with honors from Airport High School, she attended USC earning a Bachelor’s degree in Media Arts and a Masters in Mass Communications and Journalism. While in graduate school she had her own column in the Free-Times, entitled Ressa-Pea, reviewing local restaurants. She was employed by several professional businesses before entering State service with the S. C. Department of Agriculture’s Peach Council. Most recently, she was the Beneficiary Communications Coordinator of the S. C. Lottery and Education Commission.  Julia was a story collector and photographer at the Lottery Claims Center and drew numbers on the nightly draw on TV making her the face of the Lottery!  She also starred in Crafting With Julie on Facebook and YouTube using voided lottery tickets to fashion animals, a guitar, Palmetto trees – you name it. 

Julia was recently awarded the Powers Award by the North American Lottery Industry for her outstanding abilities and service. She valued her friendships that she made at the Lottery.  We are grateful to her many friends at the Lottery who lifted her up in so many ways before and after her passing.  A special thank you to Holli Armstrong for her frequent phone calls, many cards, visits and gifts. 

Her civic duties and love of the City of West Columbia included serving for 4 years on the Planning Commission. One year she held the post of Vice-Chair. She then served for 8 years on the Board of Zoning Appeals.

Her interests were many including painting, gardening, decorating, and collecting art of many kinds, especially Japanese Unico figures and pins. She loved unicorns and plush toys and her dogs, the last of which were Cairn Terriers, Frodo and Bilbo. Her musical interests were as varied as her voracious reading with a great love of movie and theater theme scores, ballet, and opera.

She leaves behind her parents John and Mary Lou Harris Huffman, her brother, James, his wife Ying and her two Nephews Preston James Huffman and Pierce Kai Huffman. Her brother and his family reside in Mooresville, NC. 

Julia’s family expresses their gratitude for the outstanding medical care afforded her by Dr. Meleigh Groff of the Lexington Family Practice on Platt Springs Road. Her family also notes the professionalism and duty of care afforded her by the staff of the Prisma Health Richland Hospital’s Emergency Room in Columbia as she departed this life. She knew not pain or fear as she departed to enter God’s great city. 

Julia, you will be loved and missed always…

A memorial service will be held at Thompsons Funeral Home, 4720 Augusta Road, Lexington on Saturday, August 24, 2024, with visitation at 2:00 pm followed by the service at 3.00. If you would like, please wear Julie’s happy colors of spring and summer. 

Flowers would be appreciated because she loved them so much. Sightler’s Florist in West Columbia is recommended.