OBITUARY: Julia Ann Lovell

With profound grief and enduring remembrance, we announce the passing of Julia Ann (Ballard) Lovell on July 10, 2025 at the age of 80 in Manchester, Tennessee.

Julia was born on November 1, 1944, in Oakdale, Louisiana to the late Timothy and Ledia (Manuel) Ballard. She entered the world as the ninth of thirteen children, seamlessly woven into the lively atmosphere of their home. Her siblings had such a significant impact on her life, and she often recalled her childhood with radiant love and laughter.

In 1963, Julia graduated from Oakdale High School and made her trek to Tennessee shortly after. While making a home in Tennessee, she gave birth to three beautiful daughters who were her guiding light through life’s adversity. Julia served on the plane assembly line for Textron Aviation for over 20 years and would retire from that position to lead a life surrounded by her boisterous grandchildren and great-grandchildren.

Julia is survived by her three daughters Misty (Jay) Jennings of Ashland City, TN, Betty (John) Lee of Manchester, TN, and Cynthia (David) Stiltner of Clarksville, TN. In addition, she is survived by her 10 grandchildren, Karoline Porter, Anastasia (George) Thomas, John (Jessica) Porter, Jessica (Richard) Wimberly, Patrick Jennings, Edward (Melinda) Lee, Rachel (Dillon) Kabrich, Timothy (James) Faulk, Alexander Stiltner, and Noah Stiltner as well as her 13 great-grandchildren.

Julia is also survived by five of her siblings: Yvonne Ferguson, Mattie Richardson, Dathyl Muehl, Patricia Sealy, and Shannon Ballard. Julia is preceded in death by her parents, Timothy and Ledia (Manuel) Ballard, as well as seven of her siblings: Ruby Rougeau, Jean Bowling, Woodrow Ballard, Leon Ballard, Timothy Ballard Jr., and Edwin Ballard. She is also preceded in death by her deeply beloved grandson, Nicholas Stiltner.

Julia, affectionately known as Nanny to the rest of the world, never crossed paths with a stranger. Each person that walked into her life was greeted with open arms and an open heart, and they always left the interaction calling her Nanny. She was a place of safety and belonging, not just for her family but for anyone who needed it.

While her legacy will continue to live through the lives she has impacted, her physical presence on this earth will be terribly missed. To know Julia was to love her energy that filled the room, to feel the comfort of her generous soul, and to know that true strength comes from within and is powerful when applied. That was Julia Ann (Ballard) Lovell.

A celebration of Julia’s life will be held at Phillips-Robinson Funeral Home, located at 2707 Gallatin Pike, Nashville, Tennessee, on Tuesday, July 15 at 2pm, Reverend Tommy Ferguson officiating. There will be visitation before the service from 12pm-2pm. Family and friends are invited to attend and honor the memory of a woman who gave so freely of her love and light.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you donate to your local hospice facility.