With heavy hearts, we share the unexpected passing of our beloved Julia Grace Blair, who entered into the presence of her Lord and Savior on July 6, 2026.

Julia was the cherished daughter of Charles and Carrol Eckles and was raised in Hapeville, Georgia, where she was the youngest of four siblings.

Julia married David Hicks, and together they welcomed their daughter, Paula Hicks. The family later moved to Shreveport, Louisiana, where Julia embraced life with enthusiasm and spent a time as a cheerleader for the Shreveport Steamers. Though that chapter of her life came to a close, Julia continued forward with resilience, optimism, and grace.

She later met Roger Blair of Bossier, Louisiana. They married and welcomed their son, Christopher Blair. Together they returned to Georgia, where Julia made her home and built a successful career as both a licensed Realtor and property manager.

She took great pride in helping others to find not only a place to live, but a place to call home. She showed genuine care for the people she served.

Julia found happiness in life’s simple pleasures. She loved attending arts festivals, taking her children on trips to the beach, and setting off on spontaneous drives to the North Georgia mountains.

She cherished family gatherings, singing with those she loved most and creating joyful memories that will forever be cherished.

She believed some of life’s greatest treasures were to cherish the "minutes and moments" created with the people you love.

Julia filled our lives with laughter, adventure and unforgettable moments.

One of her greatest gifts, was her compassionate heart. She embraced those who needed kindness and showed compassion to those who were struggling.

Her generosity knew no bounds.

She had an extraordinary ability to see beyond a person’s circumstances and fiercely defended those she loved with unwavering loyalty.

Julia deeply believed in extending grace to others.

One of her favorite reminders was, “Never judge a book by its cover,” she believed every person carried a story that deserved understanding and she often said, “We are all just struggling souls trying to find our way,” which was a reflection of the empathy and wisdom that defined her life.

Her faith carried her throughout every journey of her life.

She believed her angels watched over her and often called upon them to guide her through life’s joys, hardships, to locate her keys, find her parking spaces or clear the skies with her sunshine song.

When her family was sick or facing difficult times, she would remind them that “The Lord is the Mighty Physician,” believing wholeheartedly in the power of prayer and encouraged belief in the power of prayer, saying, “Ask, Believe, and Receive.”

She had unwavering faith.

Whenever life became difficult or someone was carrying a heavy burden, she believed there was strength, comfort, and healing in joining together in faith.

She also lived by the belief that words have power, "Don’t speak of the bad—you’ll bring it into existence.”

Her outlook inspired those around her to hold on to hope, trust in God’s timing. She encouraged others to focus on the good, and trust that brighter days were ahead.

Those who knew Julia will remember her infectious laugh, wonderful sense of humor, and outgoing personality.

She was full of life and possessed a remarkable ability to lift the spirits of those around her.

She loved without condition and gave of herself without expecting anything in return.

Julia is lovingly remembered by her daughter, Paula Hicks-Bardales, and cherished by her son, Christopher Blair (Claire). She was a proud and grandmother to Naturo McBride, Jaelianna Bell, Honey Bell, Elora Bardales, and William Blair, each of whom brought immeasurable joy to her life.

She is also survived by her beloved brothers, Bill Eckles and Nathan Eckles, along with her cherished nieces and nephews, including Shane Perry, Audrey Eckles, Jenna Eckles, and Matthew Eckles, as well as many extended family members and dear friends whose lives were forever enriched by knowing her.

Julia’s legacy is not measured by material possessions but by the countless lives she touched through her kindness, generosity, laughter and unwavering faith.

She taught those around her the importance of compassion, extending grace to others and embracing life’s adventures.

Though our hearts will forever miss her, we find peace in knowing that her love, laughter and her beautiful spirit will remain within our hearts always.

The Lord’s Prayer

Our Father, who art in heaven, hallowed be Thy name. Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done, on earth as it is in heaven. Give us this day our daily bread. And forgive us our trespasses, as we forgive those who trespass against us. And lead us not into temptation, but deliver us from evil. For Thine is the kingdom, and the power, and the glory, forever and ever. Amen.

Julia's life was a blessing, her memory a treasure. She is loved beyond words and missed beyond measure.

Funeral services will be held at 12:00 p.m.on Tuesday, July 14, 2026 at Hillcrest Chapel with Pastor Bill Eckles officiating. The family will receive friends from 11:00 a.m. until the hour of service at the funeral home on Tuesday. Interment will be private.

The family request those in attendance honor Julia's beautiful spirit by wearing bright colors or white.