Judith Ann Lillis

Williamsburg-Judith (Judy) Ann Lillis, 82, of Williamsburg, IA, passed away peacefully on Tuesday, February 13, 2024.  She was a devoted wife, mother, grandma, and teacher.  

She was born on February 25, 1941 in Melrose, IA to Luke and Catherine Logan and spent her childhood in Melrose, IA.  She was the youngest of three children and had two older brothers, Jim and Ed.  Judy was passionate about teaching and upon graduating from Melrose High School, she attended Iowa State Teachers College (now known as University of Northern Iowa) in Cedar Falls, IA, where she earned her degree, graduating in 1963.  

After graduation, she moved to Williamsburg, Iowa and began her teaching career at Williamsburg Community Schools, teaching fifth grade.  She met the love of her life, John Lillis, and they married in Melrose on July 10, 1965.   The couple welcomed three children: James John, Daniel Logan, and David Joseph.  Her family was always the most important thing in Judy’s life.

Judy spent 40 years teaching full time and part time at Williamsburg Schools and retired in 2003.   She was passionate about her profession and left an indelible mark on many of her students throughout the years.   She was tough, but fair, and inspired her students to do more with themselves than they previously thought they could.   Judy was a devout Catholic and very proud of her Irish heritage. She was also an avid sports fan and loved supporting the Iowa Hawkeyes and Notre Dame Fighting Irish.  John and Judy held season tickets to Iowa football games for 35 years and attended almost every home game.  She also loved to travel and visit places all over the world.  Never one to miss out on a social activity, Judy was always a fun addition to any trip.  

Judy also thrived in her role as “Grammy” as her extended family began to grow.  She had 9 grandchildren, whom she loved deeply and was known to spoil them to no end.  Grandchildren included Katie Lillis (27), Logan Rolles (27), Erin Lillis (25), Sarah Lillis (25), Megan Lillis (25), Adeline Lillis (18), Charlie Lillis (17), Joe Lillis (14) and Catherine Lillis (10).  

She was preceded in death by her mother and father and two brothers and is survived by her husband John and her three children, Jim (Gail) Lillis, Buffalo Grove, Illinois, Dan (Cheryl) Lillis, Williamsburg, Iowa and Dave (Claire) Lillis, St. Louis, Missouri, as well as all of her grandchildren.

Judy immediately lit up any room she entered and made an impact on so many people. She was a joyful presence with a bubbly personality and the definition of a social butterfly. She loved her friends and family and filled her home with warmth and kindness.   Friends from out of town passing through Williamsburg were always welcomed with a hot meal, a cold beverage, and a place to stay if they needed it.  She hosted countless friends of her children over the years and enjoyed providing for others over all else.  

The rosary will be said for Judy at 3:30 PM followed by a visitation from 4:00-7:00 PM on Monday, February 19, 2024 at the Powell Funeral Home in Williamsburg, Iowa.  We encourage attendees to wear green to honor Judy’s love for all things Irish.  

The funeral mass will begin at 10:00 AM on Tuesday, February 20, 2024 at St Mary’s Catholic Church in Williamsburg followed by a luncheon for friends and family at St Mary’s Hall.  

To support Judy’s love of education and her fellow teachers, memorials can be directed to the Mary Welsh Elementary Activity Fund and earmarked for teachers:

Mary Welsh Elementary School

2383 Raider Dr

Williamsburg, IA 52361

Powell Funeral Home in Williamsburg is caring for Judy and her family. Messages and tributes may be left at www.powellfuneralhomes.com