Rev. Julie F. Azbell, 66, of Arenzville, passed away quietly on July 28, 2020 at Memorial Hospital in Springfield, with her husband and friends at her side. She was born July 26, 1954, in Lincoln.
Julie is survived by her husband, Pastor Randy Azbell of Arenzville, two daughters, Katie (Kody Knoche) Azbell of Warsaw and Melody (Doug) Claudius of Rushville; three grandchildren, Will, Matt, and Izzy; two siblings, Bill (Pam) Ferguson of Westerville, Ohio and Barb (Brian) Beyer of Florissant, Colorado, and many nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, Bill and Darlene Ferguson, a sister, Jan Collins, and a brother, Martin Ferguson.
Julie was a graduate of Great Lakes Bible College and Lexington Theological Seminary in Kentucky. She served 26 years in ministry for Disciples of Christ and the United Church of Christ. She also served 10 years in the United Methodist Churches throughout the Illinois Great Rivers Conference. In 2014 she went on medical leave until her death.
Julie loved to read, work crossword puzzles, and spend time with her grandchildren. She also loved spending time with her family and friends.
A funeral service will be held at 10 a.m. on Tuesday, August 4, 2020, at Arenzville Methodist Church in Arenzville, with burial at North Cemetery in Arenzville. The family will meet friends from 4 to 8 p.m. Monday at the Arenzville United Methodist Church. Memorials are suggested to Arenzville United Methodist Church, Arenzville Volunteer Fire Department, or the Walk of Emmaus in Quincy, Illinois. The Williamson Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements