Julia Poole McConnell, age 90 of Commerce, Georgia and formerly of Habersham County, went home to be with the Lord on Sunday, May 24, 2026.
Born in Homer, Georgia on June 22, 1935, she was a daughter of the late James Wilson Poole and Florence Poole.
Mrs. McConnell retired following 42 years of dedicated service with the Johnson & Johnson Family Company (Ethicon), where she faithfully worked as an inspector. Julia was a hardworking and devoted woman who loved her family deeply. She shared a beautiful love story with her husband, Tommy Lee McConnell, and together they celebrated 63 wonderful years of marriage before his passing in February 2026. Their lives were a testimony of faithfulness, love, and commitment.
Julia was a loving daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She treasured every moment spent with her family, and the love she poured into their lives will forever remain in their hearts. Her gentle spirit, caring nature, and steadfast love created a legacy that will continue through generations to come.
In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Tommy Lee McConnell; brothers, Mitchell, Donald, Howard, Billy, and Rudolph Poole; sisters, Francine Elsner, Annie Sue Greenway, Virginia Pruitt, Ruth Edwards, and Myrtle Lewallen.
Survivors include her children, Rita Smith (Doug Beavers) and Patricia (Alan) Harrington; grandchildren, Gentry (Cory) Brawner, Ethan Burton, and Emalee (Dustin) Sosebee; great-grandchildren, Dillon and Ellarae Brawner, and Samuel Sosebee; brother, Kenneth Poole; sisters and brother-in-law, Rachel McNabb and Linda (Charles) Chapman; sisters-in-law and brothers-in-law, Jewel Poole, Sandra Poole, Mable (Bruce) McCallister, Annie (J.W.) Loudermilk, and JoBeth McConnell; along with numerous nieces, nephews, other relatives, and a host of treasured friends.
Funeral services are scheduled for 3:00 p.m. Wednesday, May 27, 2026 from the Chapel of McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home with Rev. W.A. Jenkins and Rev. Mike Irvin officiating. Interment will follow in the Union Hill Missionary Baptist Church Cemetery.
The family will receive friends at the funeral home from 5:00 p.m. until 8:00 p.m. on Tuesday, May 26, 2026.
An online guest registry is available for the McConnell family at www.mcgaheegriffinandmcentire.com
McGahee-Griffin & McEntire Funeral Home of Cornelia, Georgia (706/778-8668) is in charge of arrangements.
