Julia M. Bailey

Surrounded by family, Julia Mae Bailey entered eternal rest on Tuesday, August 27, 2024, at Riverside Hospital in Newport News, Virginia. She was born January 4, 1936, to the late Proverbs Judkins and Ethel James of Surry, Virginia. Upon Proverbs’ passing, Ethel married Primmie Stringfield who helped raise Julia from the age of two years.

Julia accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior at an early age. She was a long-standing member of First Gravel Hill Baptist Church in Smithfield, Virginia where she served in the Senior Ministry.

Julia was educated in the Newport News Public Schools, where she excelled in sports–especially basketball. Julia married her dashing childhood sweetheart, Theodore Roosevelt Bailey, Sr. of Surry, Virginia on June 10, 1956, who preceded her in death on September 30, 1991. Three sons were born to this union. 

Julia faithfully worked at Surry County Public Schools as a Teaching Assistant and during the summer she worked as a Youth Leader at Surry County Parks and Recreation. Julia was a founding member of the Bacon’s Castle Women’s Club where they focused on community service, outreach, sisterhood, and promoting the importance of homemaking skills. She was an amazing cook with multiple signature dishes, including her famous coconut cake.

To cherish her memory, Julia leaves her three sons: Theodore R. Bailey, Jr. (Linda), Bruce Bailey (Sabrina), and Craig Bailey (J’na); her brother, Henry P. “June” Judkins (Lillian-deceased); sister in laws: Patricia Bailey (Homer-deceased) and Pamela Bailey (Sterling-deceased); god-daughter; Michelle Bailey; former daughter in law; Jacqueline Bailey; grandchildren: Theodore R. “TJ” Bailey, III, Whitney Bailey-Barnes (Andre), Jessica Bailey-Mayo (Derek), Bruce Bailey, Jr., and Cayla Bailey; step-grandchildren: Dacia, Aaron, Kennedi, and McKenzie; great-grandchildren: Caden, Derek Jr., and Dawson; step-great grandchildren: Zariah and Zachary; a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and very special friends: Barbara Jean Robertson, Judy Redmon, Rhonda Bradby, Jackie Stephens, Frances Taliaferro, Linda Diane Clayton (deceased), and Ida Cohen-Wells (deceased).

"I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge will award to me on that day-and not only to me but also to all who have longed for his appearing." 2nd Timothy 4:7-8

A Celebration of Life Service will be held 11am Tuesday, September 3, 2024 at First Gravel Hill Baptist Church, 5230 Old Stage Highway, Smithfield, VA 23430.  Interment will follow the service at First Gravel Hill Cemetery. There will be a one hour viewing prior to the service at the church. Please keep the Judkins-Bailey family in your thoughts and prayers.