Julie Faul, 1972 – 2020

Julie Faul, 47, died peacefully at home with her family by her side Saturday, June 6, 2020.

Julie was born Oct. 18, 1972, in Jackson, Mississippi. She graduated from Rebul Academy, where she served as student body president and was named a member of the school’s 1990 Hall of Fame. Julie earned an associate degree in computer science at Hinds Community College, and after graduation, she worked as a computer technician at Hinds for 10 years.

Julie was known for her strength, courage, determination and resilience, despite facing overwhelming adversity. Nearly 14 years ago, she was diagnosed with Amyotrophic Lateral Sclerosis (ALS) after experiencing various health complications.

When Julie first received her diagnosis, her doctor told her she only had two to five years to live. At the time, her daughter, Sarah, was only 4 years old. But Julie was determined she wasn’t going to die that quickly. She told her mom, Patrisha, she wanted to see Sarah graduate from high school. Having this goal in mind gave Julie the determination to persevere. And this spring, Julie’s wish came true when Sarah graduated as Valedictorian at Rebul Academy. During her almost 14 years battling the disease, Julie often joked about her initial prognosis, saying “Take that, ALS!”

Julie dedicated her life to ALS advocacy through her affiliation with the ALS Association, in the hope that one day a cure would be found. She formed “Julie’s Jewels,” a team of friends, family members and supporters who participated in several ALS fundraisers over the years, and she spread awareness about the terrible disease on a daily basis through her honest, candid accounts of her experiences. She will be remembered as a loving mother, a devoted daughter, a loyal friend, a passionate advocate, a courageous hero and an inspiration to all who knew her.

Julie is preceded in death by her father, Bill Faul. Survivors include her daughter, Sarah Drennan; her mother, Patrisha Faul, of Utica; and multiple aunts, uncles and cousins.

Memorial donations may be made to the Hinds Community College Foundation, Julie Faul Scholarship, Attn. Robyn Burchfield, P.O. Box 1100, Raymond, MS 39154.

Due to COVID-19 restrictions, the family will be having a private memorial service and scattering of ashes at Wood Springs Cemetery in Choctaw County at a later date. A homecoming celebration of her life will be held at Rebul Academy, 5257 Learned Road, Learned, Mississippi, Sunday, June 28, at 2 p.m.