Mrs. Thomas was born in Newnan, Georgia on May 14, 1961, the daughter of Emily Heard Vessell Brown and the late, Raymond Edward Brown.  She was a graduate of Heard County High School, and a member of Franklin First Baptist Church.  Before suffering debilitating injuries in a car accident she was employed by the Yokogawa Corporation where she was a skilled Manufacturing Calibrator for many different types of instruments.  Most Heard County residents will remember Julie as a fun loving employee at J J’s BBQ.  Her warm smile was always evident when serving the public.  She had a deep desire to help others, and never passed up an opportunity when a need would arise.  Her love and care extended not only to people, but also to the animal kingdom.  She was constantly taking in the strays and any injured animal to nurse back to health.  Country living was a great pleasure to her.  She loved wearing jeans, her boots and being outdoors as much as possible.  Her flower garden brought her great pleasure.  Her family was always utmost in her thoughts.  She especially loved children, but her own little grandson, Brodie was the dearest to her heart.  She will long be remembered by all who knew her.

  She is survived by her daughter, Hilary Arrington; son, Joseph Arrington; beloved ex-husband, Steve Thomas; brother, Raymond Brown (Carla); grandson, Brodie Callaway; best friend Audrey Crowe; and several adoring nieces and nephews, all of Franklin, Georgia.

  Other than her father she was preceded in death by one sister, Marie Barnes.