Julia A. Willis, Oakwood Memorial Park, Ottawa IL

By June 29, 2022Obituaries

Julia was a creative soul whose interests spanned theater, art, and writing. A Phi Beta Kappa graduate of the theater department at Indiana University, she moved to NYC to pursue an acting career. She performed in NYC and regional theater, and in independent films. She attended UCLA Film School and wrote a number of short plays and scripts, as well as articles for neighborhood papers and magazines. Julia made her living working in the galleries and high-end retail establishments of 5th Avenue, including Bendel’s, Tiffany’s, and Bergdorf Goodman. Illness lead to her early retirement, though she was able to keep enjoying her hobbies, which included reading, genealogy, art and coloring books, and tarot cards. She is survived by her sister, Carlotta Willis, her niece Anah Klate, her first cousin William Finley, as well as her long-time friend and neighbor, Leonard Moss.

She was laid to rest in Oakwood Memorial Park in the Garden of Prayer.