Julia Bee Grizzell Kyle

Julia Bee Grizzell Kyle of Atlanta passed away in peace and with grace on the morning of August 18, 2018 at the age of 92.

Julia was born in Wilmington, North Carolina on December 2, 1925 as the youngest of four children born to Roy Ames and Rena Bee Williams Grizzell.  At a young age, Julia’s family moved to Augusta, Georgia where she attended Houghton Elementary School.  In 1937, the Grizzell family moved to Decatur, Georgia and Julia was a student at Winnona Park Elementary School.  She then attended the City of Decatur Girls’ High School, and graduated in the class of 1942.  Upon graduation, Julia was enrolled at the University of Georgia Evening School in Atlanta, and then transferred to the University of Georgia in Athens in 1943 where she immersed herself in college life.  Julia joined the Sigma Phi Chapter of Kappa Delta Sorority, eventually moving into the sorority house and serving as Chapter House President.  She continued her love and involvement in Kappa Delta as an alumni for the rest of her life.  In 1948, Julia graduated from the University of Georgia with a Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration.  Upon graduation, she went to work for the Armstrong Cork Corporation in Atlanta, and continued her employment there as office manager until 1965.

In 1961, Julia was introduced by mutual friends to her future husband, Pugh Elliott Kyle.  He was a graduate of the Citadel, achieved the rank of Lieutenant Colonel during World War II, and saw combat in the Korean War.  Following his service, he returned home to study and graduate from the Emory School of Law, and dedicated the rest of his professional career to the Trust Company of Georgia as a Trust-Tax Officer.  The couple wed in June of 1962 at Decatur Presbyterian Church where Julia and the Grizzell family were members for many years.  Following their marriage, Julia moved her membership to St. Luke’s Episcopal Church, Elliott’s home church, where she faithfully served and worshipped for over fifty years.

Shortly after their marriage, Julia and Pugh Elliott were delighted to welcome two children into their lives, Julia Ellen in August of 1965, and Elliott Grizzell in November of 1967.  Julia spent the majority of her days involved in the lives and activities of her children, proud of her status as a mother and homemaker.  She was happiest when she was volunteering at Fernbank Elementary School, cheering on her children at their soccer games, or assisting with Girl Scout Troop events.  Throughout her lifetime, Julia, with her servant’s heart, also enjoyed her involvement in a multitude of community organizations.  She immersed herself in projects and meetings associated with the Decatur-DeKalb Historical Society, the Fernbank Forest Garden Club, the Kappa Delta Sorority Alumni Association, the Agnes Lee Chapter of the United Daughters of the Confederacy, the DeKalb Medical Center Auxiliary, the Ladies of the Old Guard, and with her church, St. Luke’s Episcopal.

Julia was preceded in death by her husband Pugh Elliott Kyle; parents Roy Ames and Rena Bee Williams Grizzell; sister Ida “Tiny” Crawley Grizzell Elliott; brother Roy Ames Grizzell, Jr.; and sister Olga Rena Grizzell.  She is survived by her children, Julia Ellen Kyle Harris (Lee) of Bainbridge, Georgia, and Elliott Grizzell Kyle (Mary) of Atlanta, Georgia, and four grandchildren: Kyle Hunter Harris, Chase Henderson Harris, Caleb Danner Harris, and Charles Elliott Ivan Kyle.  Julia also left behind several nieces, nephews, and a sister-in-law who were very special to her, as well as many extended family members and dear friends including those who made her comfortable during her final years as a resident at Canterbury Court.

Julia will be remembered at her Celebration of Life Service to be held at St. Luke’s Episcopal Church located at 435 Peachtree Street on Thursday, August 23^rd at 2pm with a reception to follow.  In lieu of flowers, the family requests that donations be made to St. Luke’s Episcopal Church.