Julia Annette Rowan passed away into eternal peace at Hospice Atlanta on May 23, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia at the age of 75.
Julia is survived by her husband, Robert B. Webb, of Horseshoe Beach, Florida; her son, Joseph Michael Loughran III (Trey); her daughter-in-law, Lee Latimer Loughran; and her three grandchildren who she adored, Joseph Michael Loughran IV, Katherine Armistead Loughran and Jordan Latimer Loughran, all of Atlanta Georgia; and her brother, William Rodgers Rowan III (Roddy) of Greenville, S.C.. She is preceded in death by her father, William Rodgers Rowan, Jr., her mother, Kathleen Annette Bailey Rowan, and her first husband Major Joseph Michael Loughran Jr.
Julia was born on February 10, 1943 in Charleston, S.C. She graduated from St. Andrews High School and the University of S.C. in 1965 with a degree in Political Science. She married Joseph Michael Loughran Jr. of Greenwich CT, in 1966, while he was serving in the United States Marine Corps in Charleston. In November 1967 they had a son, Joseph Michael Loughran III (“Trey”). Six months later in May 1968 Major Loughran was killed in action while leading a platoon in Vietnam. In 1992, she married her wonderful final partner in life, Bob Webb. Bob and Julia had wonderful times traveling to places like Greece, Asia, and Europe, fishing and scalloping in Horseshoe Beach, cheering on their Gamecocks, and visiting a few casinos from time to time (never winning or losing too much). These years provided a peaceful and supportive foundation as she increasingly grappled with the debilitating effects of her COPD. Ultimately this became too much for her to bear, and in 2016 she moved to Atlanta to the Lenbrook where she spent her last days, close to her son and his family.
Julia would most want to be remembered as the best mother and friend anyone could want. She took amazing pride in single handedly raising her son Trey, who never met his father and always relied on her as mother, father and best friend. She was a mother that could always be counted on for anything, zealously protecting her son and always wanting life to be perfect for him. They were a team, taking on the challenges of life together. She was willing to sacrifice anything for him, and her pride of life was his accomplishments. She opened the world to him that gave him the self-confidence and support to let him know he could accomplish anything, while still having a lot of fun in life.
Julia was also a wonderful, selfless friend with a zest for life. She was a true friend to everyone, always showing compassion and reaching out to help those in need, although she often showed a streak of mischief and was known for her practical jokes. We will always remember her love of dancing, be it shagging on the beach in bare feet or participating on a clogging team. She was an avid sports fan, and especially loved her USC Gamecocks and talking sports and getting betting advice from her grandson Joe. She was a devoted and passionate member of her community, serving on the S.C. state board of the American Cancer Society, an emergency responder for the American Red Cross, and active in AIDS care efforts. In her later years, she found great enjoyment in her time with Bob and their great friends in Horseshoe Beach.
A celebration of Julia’s life will be held at a time and place to be determined to include as many friends as possible. In lieu of flowers, please send donations to Be the Match, www.bethematch.org, in honor of her grandson Jordan’s battle against cancer and to help so many others fighting cancer. The family would like to thank all our friends and family for their support, and the staff at the Lenbrook and Hospice Atlanta for their care and support. Condolences can be left at www.GeorgiaFuneralCare.com
