Julia Claire Wright Smith

Julia Claire Wright Smith

1934 – 2025

Julia Claire Wright Smith was born to William Edward Wright and Mary Virginia Robinson on November 17th, 1934, in Birmingham, Alabama.

Less than 20 years later, Julia, or “Judy,” met Harold Stewart Smith. Julia would be the first to tell you that their initial interaction was a thread of smart comments back and forth… So no, it was not love at first sight; it was better. It was a powerful love that would last the rest of their lives. They married on August 30th, 1956, and spent 65 years together before Harold’s passing in 2022.

That love expanded when Julia and Harold brought Rachel and Philip into the world, beginning their journeys as parents, grandparents, and great-grandparents. Memaw & Pappy’s house was the focal point of decades of gatherings, from holidays to birthdays to countless “just because” dinners. Their home was a reflection of their relationship: it was full of love, laughter, and faith.

“JW” lived her 91 Earthside years fully. She earned her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees from the University of Louisville and taught for many years in Jefferson County Public Schools and Metro Nashville Public Schools.

Her teaching skills expanded beyond the classroom. Julia taught English to women from across the world. She taught life lessons to her friends and family by telling stories. She taught Sunday School for years at First Baptist Church in Nashville, where she also sang in the choir.

Julia’s faith in God was evident outside of her church activities. Her deep belief in the Gospel of loving others expanded into how she lived her life. She and Harold both helped open the hearts of many to a path of acceptance and inclusivity.

Julia’s time was rarely spent idly. She gardened, sewed, crocheted, played the piano, painted, and enjoyed puzzle books…But countless people will remember her for her quilts. She made hundreds of them for friends, families, and charities, including The Next Door Recovery.

Her life can be remembered as one of her creations. Julia was resilient, intentional, and unafraid to embrace what was different, knowing that even the boldest fabrics can shine together. She took pieces of time, both painful and joyful, and stitched together something beautiful.

God welcomed Julia home on December 10th, 2025.

“All because two people fell in love…”

Julia will be remembered by those who call her “Mom” – Rachel Smith Childress and Philip (Veronica) Smith… Those who call her “Sister” – Virginia Peterson… Those who call her “Memaw” – Julianna Reagan (Tom Donovan), Delaney (Meg) McCann, and Daniel Smith. Julia was also blessed to be a great-grandmother to Hannah Reagan, Mary Reagan, Claire Reagan, Chloe Reagan, Caleb Smith, Matthew James, Lily James, Thomas Donovan, and Charlie Donovan.

Services will be held on Saturday, January 24th at Woodbine Hickory Chapel, 5852 Nolensville Pike, 37211. Visitation will begin at 1pm with the service to follow at 2pm.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made to Room in the Inn, P.O. Box 25309 Nashville, TN 37202; The Next Door Recovery, PO Box 23336 Nashville, TN 37202-3336 and Shalom Hospice, 5409 Maryland Way, Suite 212 Brentwood, TN 37027.

Cremation arrangements in the care of Compassion Funeral & Cremation Services, Nashville, TN (615) 857-9955. We proudly remain locally owned and operated.