Julie Suzanne (Smith) Grimes, of Sumiton, Alabama, passed away on December 18, 2025, at the age of 51.
Born January 23, 1974, Julie was a 1992 graduate of Minor High School in Adamsville, Alabama, where she proudly served as Majorette Captain in the marching band. She later attended Walker College in Jasper. From an early age, Julie accepted Jesus Christ as her personal Savior, a faith that remained strong throughout her life and guided her unwavering moral values.
Julie was beautiful, brilliant, and brave—a woman of many talents and creative passions. In her youth, she played several musical instruments and possessed a lovely singing voice. She began her professional life in the printing industry, working alongside her beloved father, and later joined her cherished mother at Parisian in the cosmetics department before transitioning into the telecommunications field. In 1998, Julie began her career with BellSouth (AT&T), starting just one day before her sister, best friend, and lifelong partner in crime, Kelli. The two worked side by side in the same department until Julie retired over a decade later due to medical restrictions.
Known for her quirky sense of humor and boundless warmth, Julie was loved by more friends than could ever be counted. She truly never met a stranger—only friends she had not yet met. Julie loved music of all kinds and especially enjoyed attending concerts with her sister and friends, with particular favorites including the Eagles, Prince, and Aerosmith.
Julie had a deep love for animals and shared her life with several cherished companions over the years, including her beloved chocolate Labrador, Beau; Sassy the Wonder Dog; and even a rescued peacock she affectionately named Kevin.
She is survived by her sister, Kelli Smith Naugher (Scott); her aunt Linda Edwards Smith; uncle Danny Smith; double-first cousins Joshua (Ginger) and Jillian Smith; nieces Lilly Williams, Katie Williams, Adrianna Smith, Sarah Kendall Smith, Molly Smith; uncles Mike Smith and Gaylon Edwards; aunt Brenda Caradine Edwards; and many dearly loved cousins.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Kenneth Clyde and Judy Edwards Smith; her brother, Adam Kent Smith; and her grandparents, Dewey Clifton and Kathleen Utley Edwards, and Clarence Clyde and Sarah (Nell) Perrin Smith.
Arrangements to celebrate and honor Julie’s life are currently being planned and will be announced at a later date.
