Julia C. Williams Davis (nee Smith), age 94, died Saturday, August 22, 2026 at AccentCare Hospice surrounded by her loving family.
Julia, known to everyone as Granny, was born to the late Mary and John Smith in Wilmington, where her family were members of St. Joseph on the Brandywine Parish. She graduated from Ursuline Academy in 1950 where she played field hockey and softball. A lifelong athlete, Granny’s yard in Bellefonte when her children were growing up was known as the local baseball field. After raising her family, Granny worked for Schmidt Bakery, DiBiaso Florist, and in food service at Concord High to stay active.
Granny loved supporting Villanova basketball, Alabama and Army football. She was a devoted Catholic and served as the Chair for the Propagation of the Faith for St. Helena Parish and volunteering at the annual carnival. Granny was also a long-time supporter of Brandywine Hundred Fire Company. Granny loved the arts, especially drawing, and spending time at Rehoboth Beach.
Granny was predeceased by her husband William “Bill” Davis; siblings John Francis Smith, Dr. Mary Margaret Smith O’Brien, Hugh Joseph Smith, Thomas Aquinas Smith, Francis X. Smith. She is survived E. John Williams (Melanie), David Williams (Cindy), Mary Jo Hoon (Joseph), Sheila Edwards (Haywood), James “Jimmer” Williams (Linda); 8 grandchildren; and 18 great-grandchildren.
The family would like to thank Granny’s neighbors Peggy, Mickey, Tyrone, and Eric.
A visitation will be held at 10 am on Saturday, September 12 at St. Joseph on the Brandywine, 10 Old Church Rd., Greenville, DE 19807 with a memorial Mass of Christian Burial at 11 am. Inurnment will follow mass in the adjoining church cemetery.
In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations be made to the Brandywine Hundred Fire Co., 1006 Brandywine Blvd., Wilmington, DE 19809.
Go Army, Beat Navy!
