Julia Dean French

Julia Dean "Judy" Presley French, age 86, passed away on July 9th 2026, in Pleasant Grove, Alabama.

Judy was preceded in death by her parents, Mary Louise Hess Presley and Emanuel Robert Presley, her beloved son, Daniel French, sister Gail Presley Gunter and nephew Joshua Shane Presley.

She is lovingly remembered by her daughters, Dianna Thomas and Dawn French; her grandchildren, Mandi French and Madison Foreman (Ethan) and Angel Williams; her great-grandchildren, Willow, Erica, Makenzie, and Ashton; and her cherished grand-pups, Juniper and Benji, and several nieces and nephews.

Judy retired from Compass Bank in the late 1990s after 27 years of dedicated service. Following her retirement, she devoted herself to caring for her grandchildren, a role she treasured deeply. She later worked in the daycare at First Baptist Church of Pleasant Grove, where she was a lifelong member. She found great joy in rocking babies to sleep, nurturing children with patience, kindness, and love. Caring for others came naturally to Judy, and everyone who knew her recognized her gentle heart.

Above all else, Judy was a loving and devoted mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. She loved gathering her family around the table, sharing home-cooked meals, baking favorite treats, and passing along her recipes and talents to her grandchildren. She was an enthusiastic fan of Alabama football, the New York Yankees, and Elvis Presley. Her faith was the foundation of her life. She faithfully read her Bible every day and lived with a deep love for God that guided her in everything she did.

Judy's warmth, generosity, unwavering faith, and love for her family will be remembered always. Her legacy lives on in the lives of those she loved and cared for so faithfully.

A memorial gathering will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Monday, July 13, 2026, at First Baptist Church of Pleasant Grove, followed by a graveside service at 2:00 p.m. at Pleasant Grove Cemetery.

Patterson Forest Grove Funeral Home staff is honored to serve the French family during their time of bereavement. Expressions of sympathy and condolences may be shared at www.pattersonfuneralhomes.com.

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