Julia Elnora Lehner

With heavy hearts, we announce the peaceful passing of Julia Elnora Lehner on April 30, 2026, at the Trinity Springs Memory Care facility in Oxford, Florida. Born on October 20, 1934, in Estherville, Iowa, Julia lived a life filled with love, service, and devotion to her family and community. Julia was the cherished daughter of the late Albert and Matilda Chrestiansen. Her life was a testament to the strength and values instilled in her by her parents. She was predeceased by her beloved husband, James (Jim) Lehner, with whom she shared 60 wonderful years of marriage. Together, they built a beautiful life, first in Columbus, Ohio, where they welcomed their two daughters, and later in Lithonia, Georgia, where their family grew with the birth of their son. Julia's siblings, Lawrence (Marion), Melvin (Joyce), Floyd, Mildred, Neva (Roy), Alice (George), and Ardeth, also predeceased her, each leaving an indelible mark on her heart. Julia's life was enriched by her surviving children, Karen Douds (Tim), Rebecca Such (Darin), and James Lehner, Jr., as well as her two grandchildren and four great-grandchildren, who were the light of her life. She instilled in them the values of kindness, resilience, and the importance of family. A proud graduate of Graettinger High School, Julia pursued her passion for caring for others by earning a nursing degree. Her nursing career began as an officer in the United States Air Force, where she tenderly cared for newborns in a London hospital. After her military service, she continued her career as a Registered Nurse in various hospitals across Ohio and Georgia, dedicating her life to the care and well-being of others. Julia was an active participant in her community throughout her life. Her early involvement in local PTAs and the Girl Scouts of America, where she led a troop of Brownies, reflected her dedication to nurturing the next generation. Later, as a devoted member of the Dacula United Methodist Church in Dacula, Georgia, she joined the Women's Circle, working on service projects that benefitted local charities. Her hobbies of reading, gardening, and needlepoint provided her with joy and tranquility, and her sweet yet salty personality endeared her to all who knew her. Julia's warmth, generosity, and infectious spirit will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all whose lives she touched. A service to celebrate Julia’s life will be held on June 6, 2026, at 11:00 a.m. at Crowell Brothers Funeral and Crematory, located at 201 Morningside Drive, Buford, GA 30518. Friends and family are invited to gather in remembrance of a life well-lived, to share stories, and to honor the legacy of a remarkable woman who gave so much to so many. In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made in Julia’s memory to a charity of your choice, reflecting her lifelong commitment to helping others. May Julia's spirit live on in the hearts of all who knew her, and may she rest in eternal peace.