Julia J. Opie

On April 3, 2024, the trumpet sounded calling home our earthly angel Julia J. Opie.  She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, and aunt.

Julia entered this life on December 3, 1940, the tenth child born to the late Joseph P. and Annie H. Jefferson of Charles City, VA. Julia was predeceased by her siblings, Purnell Jefferson, Mary J. Tabb, James Jefferson, Mattie Trower, Alice Johnson, Aurelia Christian, and Malinda Bell; and one granddaughter Pamela Hall.

Julia confessed Christ in 1952 at the age of 12 and joined Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Charles City, VA.  She served her church in the choir, missionary, usher and anywhere else she was needed. In 1983, she moved from the Charles City area and joined Shiloh Baptist Church in Yorktown, VA, and served faithfully in the choir and missionary ministry for many years. She later joined First Baptist Church Morrison Newport News, VA where she sang in the choir, served on the missionary ministry, Foodbank, and anything her hands found to do until her health began to decline. Julia was a past member of the Order of Eastern Star.  Julia loved the Lord and would always say “ If God brings me to it he will take me through it.” Even though she was going through her struggles she would never complain.

Julia was a cornerstone in the Charles City County School System, as a Cafeteria Manager at the Ruthville High School for over fifteen years.  She was later employed at the Eastern State Hospital in Williamsburg, VA where she retired after many years of service. She enjoyed working with patients and taking care of those who couldn’t do for themselves. She had a passion for elderly people.

Our beautiful Matriarch can never be replaced but will always be cherished and will forever live in our hearts. She was a woman who loved the Lord and stood by her family and would do anything for her family. We could not ask for a better Sister, Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Great-Grandmother, and Great-Great-Grandmother.

Beautiful memories will forever live in the hearts of her loving husband Earl Opie; devoted daughters, LaVerne Seldon, Margaret Elder (Markell), Queen Simon, Erica Henderson, and Sharon Summer; devoted sons, Bernard Brown (Connie) and Irving Tabb Jr.; eighteen devoted grandchildren, devoted Kevin Jackson, Travar Brown and Richard Johnson, James Key, Lloyd F. Craddock Jr. (Adrienne), Tyrell Seldon (Terrie), Lorenzo Jackson Jr., Dewitt Henderson, Daniel Henderson, Jordan Summers, Germika Otey, devoted Kristy Craddock, Shauntae Barnes, Chrissy Jackson, Paula Key, Carla Franklin, and Crystal Summers; thirty-two great-grandchildren and one great-great-grandchild; sisters, Elnora Robinson and Catherine Mudd (Stacy) who was like a sister; brother Wilbur Jefferson Sr. (Belinda); many nieces, nephews, and extended family; devoted friends, Minister Annette Harris, Albert Scott, and Janice Barker;  devoted longtime friend of fifty years Agnes Bradby; devoted cousin Hancy Hatchett; devoted friend and caregiver Ida Alston; and a host of other loving friends.

The sun went down ablidge of light as twilight ushered in the night. The moon arose a silver glow I’m glad the savior made it so . The stars came out across the sky to speak of others worlds on high, and in my heart found sweet peace from the toil of night that would bring release  

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A service to celebrate Julia's life will be held at 11:00 a.m. Saturday, April 13, 2024, at First Baptist Church Morrison. Entombment to follow in Hampton Memorial Garden. Mrs. Opie may be viewed from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. Friday, April 12, 2024, in the funeral home.

Professional services entrusted to the staff of Whiting's Funeral Home, 7005 Pocahontas Trail, Williamsburg, Virginia 23185. 757-229-3011 whitingsfuneralhome.com

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