Julia M. McCoy was born on March 28, 1933, the daughter of the late Bertha Johnson Taylor and Walter Johnson of Washington, DC.
Her formative school years were in the District of Columbia Public School system. She returned to the Williamsburg area in 1950 where she met the charming John Daniel “Sonny” McCoy. They were married and became the parents of five children who survive her, Billie Riley of Houston, TX, Wanda Brown of Richmond, VA, Lionel McCoy of Norfolk, VA, Geryl Martin (James) of Williamsburg, VA, and John Daniel McCoy III (Regina) of Charlotte, NC. She is also survived by her loving grandchildren, Joy, Audra, Stacey, Chantel, Sheena, Lionel Jr., and Alexis; two brothers, Walter Johnson Jr. (Gladys) of Hampton, VA and Bernard Johnson (Bessie) of Pittsburgh, PA; two sisters, Alice White of Montgomery Village, MD and April Taylor of Germantown, MD; and a host of nieces, nephews, and friends.
Upon the death of her mother in 1963, Julia became the POA for the supervision of her handicapped brother, Jerome. She lovingly and faithfully saw that he lived a remarkable life. After Jerome suffered a stroke and needed round the clock care, which was provided by the Pines Nursing Home, Julia was always by his side at least 4-5 days a week until the Lord called him home in 2013.
Julia’s work career started in the pantry at the Colonial Williamsburg Foundation before moving into private housekeeping. This encouraged her to pursue her Certified Nursing Assistant license. She became a private caregiver to the elderly and disabled. She retired from nursing to face and survive a cancer diagnosis. Her faith and determination during her battle with cancer were a source of strength and admiration to her children. Julia was an avid reader and passed her love of reading to most of her children. Always learning, she became a lover of meteorology in her middle eighties.
Julia was a fiercely independent woman and lived in the Blayton Building. On July 8, 2024, at the age of 91, she transferred to the Williamsburg Post Acute Care and Rehab Center. She was immediately welcomed and well-known by a loving and devoted staff. On July 28th, without any illness or suffering, Julia slipped away quietly to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
A funeral service to celebrate her life will be held at Noon on Monday, August 5, 2024, in Whiting’s Funeral Home. Interment to follow in Cedar Grove Cemetery. Ms. McCoy may be viewed on Monday beginning at 11 a.m. until the hour of her service in the funeral home.
