Julia Parhams

Julia Ann Haggins Parhams, born on December 23, 1940, peacefully went to be with the Lord on August 23, 2024, at the age of 83. Julia was born in Dallas, TX, and later moved to Teague, TX, before eventually returning to Dallas, where she married Loyd Parhams and from that union their daughter Lisa Parhams was born. Julia made a lasting impact on her community and those who knew her.

Julia attended Lincoln High School graduating in 1941 and furthered her education at El Centro College and UT Dallas. Her love for learning and her dedication to her community were evident through her active involvement with Booker T. Washington and Lincoln High School Alumni Association, where she made a lasting impact. She also served as a Girl Scout leader and Cookie Manager, guiding and inspiring young girls to grow into strong, confident women.

Julia’s professional life was marked by her commitment to education and service. She worked as a GED instructor at Benjamin Franklin Junior High School in Dallas, where she influenced the lives of countless students with her dedication and passion for learning. In addition, she loved being a volunteer cashier for Dallas Leadership Treasures of Hope, where she found joy in serving her community. She also worked at the Dallas County Sheriff’s Department in

accounting.

Julia’s spiritual journey began at Greater Garth Chapel African Methodist Episcopal Church, where she grew up surrounded by a community of faith. As an adult, she joined St. Luke Community United Methodist Church, where she was deeply involved in various ministries. She was an active member of the St. Luke Community Senior Choir, Sunrise Choir, Mass Choir, and Women’s Choir. Julia also served as the Media Ministry Chairperson, worked in bookstore sales, and was involved with the United Methodist Women. Her heart for service extended to the Senior Saints Ministry and the Keenagers Ministry. She was also a faithful participant in the VSF Tuesday Classes.

Later in life, Julia became a cherished member of Mount Hebron Missionary Baptist Church, where she continued her dedication to her faith and love for singing. Go to https://linke.to/julia or scan the QR code below to hear Julia’s version of “All of My Help”). She was also actively involved in the Senior Ministry, Legacy Choir, Sunday School, and Women’s Ministry. 

Although Julia became immobile later in life, she never allowed her physical limitations to hinder her spirit or her commitment to serving others. She was a woman of great wisdom and grace, known to many as a soldier and prayer warrior. She carried a gentle spirit, always caring for those around her. Julia was more than just a woman of faith; she was an advocate for many, especially at the nursing home where her presence brought comfort and joy. Despite life’s challenges, she never allowed her circumstances to define her, demonstrating to everyone around her the power of perseverance and faith.

A woman of few words, Julia had a unique gift for saying just the right thing at the right time. Her words, though few, were powerful and left a lasting impact on the hearts of many. She was also known for her incredible talents in the kitchen, where she was an excellent cook and baker. Her home was often filled with the comforting aroma of her homemade dishes, and she was a surrogate mother to many who needed her guidance and love.

Julia was preceded in death by her parents, Roy D. Haggins, Willie L. Whiteside, and her stepmother, Bernice Haggins. She is survived by her daughter, Lisa Parhams, and son, Kevin Bullard (Cetilia); special granddaughters, Shavari Thompson and Kamesha Baker; brothers, Charles Wyatt and James Kelly West; her sisters, Mary White and Rose Shockley; her special niece, Uranda Wilson; sisters-in-law, Patsy McGowan Haggins and Peggy Voner; and her dear friends, Lola Johnson, Augustine Hoskins, and Sharon Leach.