Julia Hamilton Lee

Julia Hamilton Lee, lovingly known as Judy, passed away peacefully at her home on March 21, 2026, just days shy of her 81st birthday. Born on March 26, 1945, in Hartford, Connecticut, Judy was a beacon of love, resilience, and grace throughout her life. She departed this world after a courageous battle with ALS, surrounded by her loving family. Judy was the cherished daughter of the late James Spencer Lee and Julia Hamilton Lee. She was predeceased by her parents, her brother Edgar Lee, and her stepbrother Peter Adams. She is survived by a large and loving family, including her devoted daughters, Michele Lee Goodrich of Simsbury, CT, and Julia Hamilton Vaughn of Helena, AL; her caring spouse, Jeffrey A. Vaughn; her adored granddaughter, Julia Hamilton Vaughn; her beloved grandson, Garrett Hayes Vaughn; and her cherished grandchildren, Ashley M. Cox, Shelby E. Vaughn, and Brennan A. Vaughn. Judy also leaves behind two wonderful great-grandchildren, Anderson Cox and Shepard Cox, as well as her brother Tim Lee and his spouse, Barbara Lee, her stepbrother Spencer Lee, stepsisters Sally Vaun and Betsy Adams, and many nieces and nephews. She was especially close to her niece Mary Vincent McNeil and her spouse Jim McNeil, and her sister-in-law Nancy Adams. Judy was a woman of remarkable intellect and warmth. She graduated from Stoneleigh-Prospect Hill School in Greenfield, MA, in 1964, before earning a bachelor’s degree in Women's Studies from the University of Vermont. Her passion for learning and service led her to attend seminary, where she became a Deacon of the Episcopal Church, eventually serving as Deacon in Charge at St. Andrews Episcopal Church in Montevallo, AL. Before embracing her calling in the church, Judy enjoyed a successful career as a French Wine Importer for Vineyardbrands, where she worked for over 25 years, retiring in 2006. Her dedication to service was unwavering, as she spent 12 years in ministry, offering continuous pastoral support and working closely with Episcopal Place. Judy's life was full of community involvement and charitable efforts. She was active with the Daughters of the King, contributed to building homes with Habitat for Humanity, and participated in the Gumbo Gala to raise funds for Episcopal Place. Her hobbies included reading, scrapbooking, and spending precious time at her daughter Michele's horse farm in Connecticut, as well as making memories with her daughter Julia and grandchildren Julia and Garrett. Judy was celebrated for her warmth, kindness, and supportive nature. Her smile could light up the darkest room, and her resilience inspired all who knew her. Her life was a testament to the power of love, faith, and community, impacting countless lives with her compassionate spirit. A memorial service to honor Judy's life will be held on May 2, 2026, at The Episcopal Church of St. Francis of Assisi, located at 3545 Cahaba Valley Rd, Indian Springs Village, AL 35124. For those unable to attend in person, the service will be livestreamed at saintfrancisindiansprings.org. In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests that donations be made to The Episcopal Church of St. Francis of Assisi Memorial Fund in Judy's memory. The family extends a heartfelt thank you to the doctors and staff at UAB ALS Clinic for their unwavering love and support, the ALS Foundation, and Team Gleeson for their assistance. Special gratitude is also offered to Pilot Mark, who enabled Judy to visit her friends and family in Connecticut one last time. Judy's legacy of love and service will continue to live on in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.