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Julia “Judy” McGraw Williams
Judy entered the world as Julia Becker McGraw on February 23, 1922, in Parkersburg, West Virginia, the firstborn child of Arno and Helen McGraw. Strong, wise and witty, Judy lived life fully as a gracious and beloved daughter, sister, wife, in-law, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and friend.

Graduating from Parkersburg High School in 1940, where she was a member of its acclaimed a Capella choir, the young beauty enrolled in West Virginia University. There she joined Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority and continued her high school passion of singing as a member of the University a Capella choir.

World War II cut her college career short at age 20, as her fiancé, Lieutenant Robert “Bob” Earl Williams of Marietta, Ohio, was called into duty shortly after the Pearl Harbor attack. Judy drove cross-country with her brother, Bill, to marry Bob in Yuma, Arizona, honeymoon in Palm Springs and set up home in Long Beach, California, where the new groom continued his training as a fighter pilot.

Then soon, as a new bride, she again drove to the far edge of the continent – Bangor, Maine – to wave adieu to Bob in his P-38, as his squadron departed for duty in the European Theater. Bob dipped his wings to her, then banked over the Atlantic on a treacherous route to Great Britain via Greenland and Iceland. Within a year, he was shot down in Tunisia and declared missing in action. Never abandoning hope, Judy eventually learned Bob was a prisoner of war in Stalag Luft 3, of “The Great Escape” fame, and after the war lovingly welcomed him home following his 30 months as a POW.

Judy and Bob resumed their life together in Birmingham, Michigan, raising two children, Julie and Bob Jr., and after stints in Illinois and Ohio moved to Vero Beach in 1976, where they quickly made lifelong friends through their many social and community activities. Judy’s beloved husband Bob passed away in 1979.

A natural leader and dedicated community steward, Judy was a longtime member of The Junior League and her condominium board. Energetic and athletic, she excelled at tennis, playing at club championship level. Aesthetically gifted, she was adept in design, fashion, and gardening. Curious and informed, her interests ranged from current events to culture and politics, with views she freely shared with conviction. And blessed with depth of character, she conducted her affairs poised with dignity, elegance, strength, intelligence and sophisticated wit.

Judy was deeply devoted to her beloved extended family, daughter Julie Howting and her husband Buzz of La Quinta, California; son Bob Williams and Karen Katen of Vero Beach, New York City, and Connecticut; granddaughter Carrie Strom and her husband Ben of Corona Del Mar, California; and great-grandchildren Bridget and Henry Strom. Above all else, her life revolved around her family, their accomplishments and happy lives brought great joy and pride to her. Judy is also survived by her brother Arno William McGraw, Jr., and his wife Jan; and sisters Henne Kropf and Molly McCabe and her husband Mark. She will be missed by all who had the privilege of knowing and loving her.

Current events, culture, politics and sports-especially the Detroit Tigers, generated great interest and strong opinions in Judy. Her take on things often resulted in memorable one-liners…

A Celebration of Judy’s Life will be held at 3:00 PM, Tuesday, June 27, 2017 at Trinity Episcopal Church Chapel, 2365 Pine Avenue, Vero Beach, Florida 32960. Inurnment will take place at Johns Island Cemetery at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests that memorial contributions be sent to Court Appointed Special Advocates of Orange County at casaoc.org or Help Me See at helpmesee.org. Online condolences may be made at www.coxgiffordseawinds.com.