Julia Kimberly Durell

Julia Kimberly Durell, 24, of Plainfield, passed away surrounded by her loving family on January 25, 2024. She was born on December 31, 1999 in Indianapolis, Indiana to David and Laura (Hicks) Durell. Julia is preceded in death by her grandparents, James R. Durell and Suzanne G. Durell; and other grandfather, Ed Odoerfer.   Julia will be deeply missed by all who knew her. She is survived by her loving parents, David and Laura Durell; brother, Paul Durell; sister, Claire Durell; and grandmother, Lillian Odoerfer. 

Messages from the family:

“Yesterday, January 25th 2023 the Lord called our angel home.  Julia Kimberly Durell was the first born child in our family.  On December 31st 1999 Julia was born into our family.  She was a beautiful little girl and was so loved.  Through the years she did not progress like other children.  We were finally able to get a diagnosis of extreme cerebral palsy.  Unfortunately, she was not able to walk or talk.   Even with all her physical problems, she was our little angel and was perfect.  She never complained and rarely cried.  Julia had many surgeries through her life and she was the strongest person we knew.  For 24 years we had an angel living amongst us and we were so blessed.  Now that she is free from her broken body, she is now able to walk and talk and play with all the angels.  While our hearts are shattered, we find comfort in knowing that she is happy and flying high in Heaven with Our Lord and Jesus.  For  now our hearts have a major hole.  We look forward to one day being reunited with her and finally getting to talk with her again. At night during her prayers, we alway said, “Go play with the angels in your dreams and soar.”   For Julia, she won’t have to dream it, she will be able to live it everyday for eternity.  Until we meet again, we love you with all our hearts and we look forward to being together again someday.” 

-Mom and Dad  

“Having a sister with special needs of Julia’s severity taught me many things. The most important thing being love doesn’t come from words or actions, but your heart. Julia’s heart was as pure as anyone I’ve ever known. If I could go back and change anything about her, I wouldn’t, she was perfect. She was the best sister anyone could ever ask for. I know Julia is happy in heaven looking over all of us, with her heart of gold.” -Claire Durell 

“There have not been many people in my life that have touched my heart the way Julia did. I would not have the amount of compassion, love, and kindness in myself if it weren’t for her. She could not hurt a fly and that taught me what’s really important in my life. Knowing in my heart that Julia is free from her medical burden and in Heaven now warms me. Paul loves you Julia.”   -Paul Durell  
Until we all meet again Julia, we love you dearly…..

Funeral services will be held on Friday, February 2, 2024 at Hampton-Gentry Funeral Home at 1:00 pm where family and friends may visit from 11:00 am until time of service. Burial will follow at Maple Hill Cemetery in Plainfield.