Julia Lipscomb Jarman

A 4th generation Nashville native, Julia was born October 23, 1950 to Anne Cawthon Lipscomb and Albert Brant "Pinky" Lipscomb, MD. At an early age, she developed a love of sports and competition on the Vanderbilt sidelines alongside her father, who served as the Commodores' Team Physician for over 40 years. A storied athlete in her youth, Julia instilled that same passion and competitive spirit in her boys, all three of whom excelled in athletics. Throughout her struggle with cancer, Julia courageously pushed herself to power walk the steep inclines near her home or chase her grandchildren in sport.

She attended The Ensworth School and graduated from The Harpeth Hall School and Vanderbilt University. Julia went on to earn master’s degrees from Bowdoin College and O’More College of Design. In 1976, she married Franklin Maxey Jarman, former Chairman & CEO of Genesco, and raised 3 accomplished sons before becoming a beloved grandmother to 10 grandchildren.

Julia delighted in selfless support of the broader Nashville community. She was a lifelong, steadfast supporter of Cheekwood. Julia chaired the Swan Ball; she served on the Cheekwood Board; and she headed the Swan Ball Advisory Committee, continuing to serve as a member until her death. A member of the Garden Club of Nashville for over 30 years, she served as president and chaired the capital campaign and renovation of The Howe Garden at Cheekwood.

A devout Christian, Julia taught Sunday School at Christ Church and St. George's Episcopal Church for over 40 years and volunteered weekly at St Luke’s, teaching children to read and write. She also volunteered for Vanderbilt and David Lipscomb Universities, Harpeth Hall, Ensworth, Montgomery Bell Academy, Junior League of Nashville and Vanderbilt-Ingram Cancer Center.

Julia had an unrivaled talent for making all things beautiful. This aptitude translated into a thriving, 40-year career as a successful interior designer where many of her clients became life-long friends. Julia's home was the perfect stage for her expertise in entertaining. Her family and friends enjoyed decades of Thanksgivings and Sunday dinners around beautiful tablescapes of her own design. Overnight guests, be they expected or impromptu, found their bedside tables adorned with a fragrant bud from her garden. Julia's beautiful style and grace will be missed by the many who shared in her gracious hospitality.

Undoubtedly, the void of her absence will be felt most in the hearts of her 10 young grandchildren, who lovingly adored their Gaga. A magical storyteller, she captivated their attention with parables of her own creation; weaving humor and family lore with underlying lessons highlighting her favorite attributes of generosity, kindness and hard work. Julia relished the joie d’ vivre of her grandchildren, transforming her beautiful home into a racetrack or tented sleepovers with costumes expected.

Julia is survived by her husband of 46 years, Franklin Maxey Jarman; three sons, James Franklin Jarman II (Catherine), Anderson Lipscomb Jarman (Caylan), and Thomas Drake Jarman (Christina), their children, as well as her brother Albert Brant Lipscomb, Jr., MD (Susie) and her sister Linda Lipscomb Hummell. She is preceded in death by her father and mother.

The funeral service will be held at St. George’s Episcopal Church at 12:00pm on Tuesday, October 11. A celebration of Julia’s life will be held immediately following the service at Belle Meade Country Club from 1:00-3:00pm.

A private interment for the family will be held at Mount Olivet Cemetery.

In lieu of flowers, contributions may be made to the Howe Garden Endowment at Cheekwood or St. George’s Episcopal Church.

Fond memories and expressions of sympathy may be shared at www.mountolivet.com for the JARMAN family.