The Reverend Julie Denny-Hughes, parish minister, steady advocate for social justice, lover of humor and music, died on 14 October 2016 at the age of 70.
Julie Ann Denny was born on 4 April 1946 to Helen Pentzer Denny and Morris Duane Denny and grew up in Bedford, Indiana. Music was central in Julie’s childhood as she joined her older siblings in backyard musical productions, showing the creativity and free-spirited independence that guided her throughout life. Later, at Bedford High School, performance with the Madrigal Singers was her favorite among numerous clubs and activities. After earning a B.A. in American literature from the University of Illinois in 1972, she worked for twenty years in the computer software industry as a technical writer, trainer, and independent consultant.
Julie found Unitarian Universalism in 1978 at the UU Congregation of Princeton (NJ), where she became an active member and led the congregation’s first “Cakes for the Queen of Heaven” course. Eventually the call to ministry led her to Meadville Lombard Theological School where she received her M.Div. in 1995, earning the school’s faculty award for Excellence in Religious Leadership.
Julie was first called to the UU Community Church of Glen Allen (VA), where the membership more than doubled during her four-year ministry (1995-99). This was followed by parish service to the UU Fellowship of Raleigh (NC), Countryside Church UU, Palatine (IL), and the UU Church of Halifax (NS).
Julie is survived by her daughter Suzannah Wilson Overholt, son Phillip Earl Wilson Jr., five grandchildren, brother Marc Denny, sister Marian “Susie” Rumsey, and several nieces and nephews. A memorial service was held on 22 October 2016 at the First Christian Church in Bedford, Indiana.