Julie Marie Donley Briley
August 24, 1948 ~ September 19, 2024
Born in:
Cambria County, Pennsylvania
Resided in:
Houston, Texas
Julie Briley passed away peacefully on Thursday morning, September 19 2024 at 11:02 AM, surrounded by her family at her beloved home, after a lengthy battle with cancer.
Julie was preceded in death by her husband, James Briley, and her parents, Joseph M. Donley and Ruth O. Hagaman Donley, as well as her youngest sister, Ruthie Donley, who passed away on September 17, 2023. Julie is survived by her sisters, Patricia Donley and Mary Jo Donley Calandriello, and her brothers, Joseph M. Donley Jr. and Thomas R. Donley, along with niece Sarah Calandriello, and nephews Tom Calandriello, Dr. Joseph Bayer, and Joseph M. Donley III. She is also survived by her stepdaughter, Jamie Briley Turner, granddaughters Caitlin Turner and Hayley Constantine, and great-grandchildren Hudson, Palmer, and Briley.
Julie was born and raised in Cambria County, Pennsylvania where she attended St. Mary’s Elementary School in Nanty-Glo, and Bishop Carroll High School in Ebensburg, Pennsylvania. She attended Indiana University of Pennsylvania in Indiana, Pennsylvania graduating with a Bachelor of Science degree. After graduation, she relocated to Texas to accept a teaching position in the Dickinson and Clear Lake school districts, where she dedicated over 30 years to her career. Julie’s passion for children made her an exceptional teacher, known for her nurturing approach and ability to bring out the best in every student.
Julie leaves a legacy of generosity and kindness to hundreds of people, especially her students. Many of her former students remained in contact with her throughout their lives, attesting to Julie’s positive impact on them. Her unselfish giving of herself to the well-being of others is well known among her family and friends.
Even during her long battle with cancer, she never went to any doctor’s visit without a bag of assorted chocolate candy to offer to everyone she came into contact with. She always prepared a special selection in a separate bag for her specialist. Julie became renowned throughout the hospitals and various treatment centers for her chocolates, winning smile, and gentle manner.
Diagnosed with esophageal cancer in January 2020, she faced her challenges with remarkable strength and grace. Julie will be deeply missed by all who knew her, leaving behind a legacy of kindness and love that will continue to inspire those whose lives she touched.
Julie’s final instructions were for her body to be donated to the Texas A&M University College of Medicine. This has been done. The family will hold a private tribute and celebration of her life in early November, with details to follow.
In memory of Julie, contributions may be made to the American Cancer Fund through its website: https://americancancerfund.org/
A Guestbook Memorial Page has been arranged, please follow this link to add your name and comments. https://callawayjones.com/obits/julie-d-briley/#
Arrangements are in the care of Callaway-Jones Funeral Centers of Bryan-College Station.
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God rest our beloved Julie. She was an Angel of mercy sent to care for so many. What a sacrificial child of Gd, ever there, ever cheerful, full of love – so full, it overflowed and bestowed unimaginable bliss on all around her. How could one be so beautiful, so kind and so adoring at the same time: only Julie. So many of her friends and family are hurting deep in their souls to be in her joyful presence, yet we must now happily wait until our Heaven Father calls us home and we will again see Julie among the Angels; in a place she always belonged. God bye dear Julie. Bill Karabinos
Julie represented all that is good and dedicated her life to helping others. The impact of her teaching will continue for generations, as her former students thrive due to her love and guidance. I know of many students who have matured into strong adults with principles and character shaped by Julie’s care. These students now have children, and some even have grandchildren; many remained in contact with Julie, always speaking highly of her.
My testimony to my sister, Julie, begins with deep gratitude. Without Julie’s love and care for me, from my youth to early adulthood and even up to her last days, I sincerely doubt I would be here today. I owe her everything for looking out for me and always loving me without judgment. She taught me valuable life lessons with her compassion, empathy, and love. I could never thank her enough.
Julie, your life’s pains, trials, and tribulations are over now. You are home in heaven with God and all the people you cherish, including Mom & Dad, your friend Daniel, and many others.
Thank you, sister, for all you have done for me. Your supportive love and kindness have made my life much better than it could have been without you.
Dear Lord, we entrust our dear friend Julie into Your loving arms. May Christ Jesus welcome Julie into the promise of heaven, where there is no more pain of loss, only the love of God. Grant Julie eternal rest, O God, and let Your perpetual light shine upon her Amen. September 19, 2024