Julia Looper McAuley

Julia Looper McAuley beloved wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, and friend, passed away on June 4, 2026 at the age of 98.

Born on October 21, 1927, in Greenville, South Carolina, Julia was the youngest of three children born to Rufus Franklin Looper, Sr. and Leora Hill Looper.

She was predeceased by her parents; her brother, Rufus Franklin Looper, Jr.; and her sister, Marietta Looper Couch.

Julia graduated from Parker High School in Greenville in 1945 and continued her education at Draughn’s Business College. On June 24, 1950, she married the love of her life, Albert Neil McAuley. Together they built a home centered on faith, family, hard work, and service to others.

A devoted wife, mother, and homemaker, Julia dedicated her life to nurturing and supporting her family. She was actively involved in every aspect of her children’s lives, always ready to help with PTA activities, school fundraisers, Girl Scouts, Boy Scouts, church events, and countless other endeavors. Her patience, steadfastness, and commitment to raising and educating her children were among her greatest gifts.

Julia is survived by her four children, Julia Adele McAuley, Stephen Neil McAuley, Jeffrey Scott McAuley, and David Franklin McAuley. She also leaves behind three grandsons, Michael McAuley, Jason Neil McAuley, and Gregory McAuley; and six great-grandchildren, Drake, Zander, Jace, Freya, Allison, and Bellamy, all of whom brought her immense joy and pride.

Julia possessed a remarkable creativity and resourcefulness. She loved cooking, especially preparing and preserving the fresh vegetables grown by her family. An accomplished seamstress and cake decorator, she was known for her ability to make something beautiful from very little. Frugal and practical, she mastered the art of “making do” while creating a warm and welcoming home for her family.

 Her entrepreneurial spirit emerged early in life. As a child, she collected used clothing and sold it from her wagon throughout the neighborhood. Her mother often remarked,

“You could sit Julia out on a stump and she would figure out a way to make money.”

Later, after her children were older, Julia established a successful catering business and became widely known throughout the Columbia area as the “Cake Lady,” celebrated for her beautiful cakes and delicious creations.

Julia was a longtime member of State Street Baptist Church in Cayce, South Carolina, where she faithfully volunteered and served her church community. Her commitment to service extended beyond the church through her active involvement with the Telephone Company Pioneers, the Women’s Club, the Lioness Club, and the Edenwood Neighborhood Association. She loved helping others and generously gave her time and talents to countless community causes. For many years, she was the Women’s Club’s top fundraiser through her annual pecan sales.

One of Julia’s greatest joys was bringing people together. She loved entertaining family and friends, especially around a card table. An enthusiastic bridge and Canasta player, she hosted countless gatherings throughout her life and continued playing and entertaining until just a few months before her passing.

Julia’s life was a testament to faith, perseverance, generosity, and love. Through her unwavering devotion to family, her tireless volunteer work, her entrepreneurial spirit, and her gift for making others feel welcome, she touched the lives of many. Her legacy lives on in the family she cherished, the friends she loved, and the community she faithfully served. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered with love.

Funeral service will be held 11:00 a.m. Monday, June 8, 2026 at State Street Baptist Church 1420 State Street Cayce, SC 29033. Burial will follow at Woodridge Memorial Park. The family will receive friends from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m. prior to the service at the church. Flowers are welcome and donations can be made to State Baptist Church, Cayce SC.

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