Julie Anne Early

Known for being fiercely independent, strong-willed, and witty, Julie was a trailblazer. She returned to graduate school in her late 30s to earn her Ph.D. in Victorian literature at the University of Chicago and went on to write a new and extended chapter as Dr. Early at the University of Alabama, Huntsville. Along the way she traveled extensively in the British Isles, modeling the spirit of the 19th-century women she studied: learning by traveling and by challenging herself to new adventures. Julie’s students were among her chief joys and sense of accomplishment; she was incredibly proud of the students who went on to make a mark in their professions and especially those who simply put their curiosity and intellect to work in her seminars. Julie also quietly contributed to her community over the years. After Hurricane Katrina she opened her home to folks needing shelter; she traveled to Tennessee to help with one of the (too many) tornadoes impacting the Tennessee Valley Area. As she grew older, Julie turned her efforts to support local cat shelters with supplies. (She also baked dog treats for her colleagues’ pets!) Her motto was, “You can’t save them all, but you can save this one.” This was a lesson that she passed on to her daughter, Megan. Even more meaningful to Megan was Julie’s example of independence and the need to challenge herself. Indeed, the two had a close relationship, even when mother and daughter both felt they were right--as strong-minded women do. One of the brightest spots in Julie’s later life was spending time with her brother Ron to reminisce about the jazz music scene she, her former husband Bruce, Ron, and their friends were part of in Michigan over the years she lived there. Julie always attributed her love and appreciation for music to her brother and former husband.

Literally to the end, Julie insisted on living life on her terms. She had moved up to Iowa to be closer to her daughter, but did not like it there. She bought herself a plane ticket and moved back to her home in Alabama. Only a few weeks later, her time came. True to herself, Julie wrote this one last chapter. Friends and family know this title as: “That’s So Julie.”

There will be a virtual celebration of life in January.

Please contact Megan Alter @[email protected] for details

Donations may be made to Forgotten Felines, Huntsville AL https://www.ffhsv.org/