Julia Wright

Julia “Judy” Marie Wright, 77 of Whitman, WV entered her heavenly home on Friday, July 19, 2024, from Hillcrest Healthcare Nursing Facility in Danville, WV. 

Julia was born to the late Elmer and Wanda Churchill on July 17, 1947, in Davies County Indiana. In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her husband of 50 years John, daughter Jonna, brother Steve Churchill, in-laws Roscoe and Estelle Wright, and infant granddaughter Brittany Michelle Wright. 

Julia married the love of her life, John on January 7, 1967,in Washington Indiana. After starting their family and moving to West Virginia in 1972, they bought their home in Whitman. Judy attended beautician school after high school but chose not to pursue the career. She started in-home childcare and became known as ‘Nana’ to Chris, Kendra, and Charli so she could work at home and be there for her family. Once her children were in high school, she took an interest with John in the EMS of Logan County taking EMT and Fire training. She served as a volunteer for Cora Volunteer Fire Department and later started her career as a dispatcher for County Public Rescue, transitioning to 911 Telecommunicator until her retirement. 

Julia was a member of 20 Whitman Community Church. She will tell you God carried her through many storms, especially the last 2 years. She loved to take pictures and share them with everyone. She would say “Pictures become treasures when loved ones pass on”. She was well known for her cooking. She and her cabinet of spices and baking supplies made many happy bellies over the years. 

Julia’s favorite ‘title’ in life was “Grammy” and “Mamaw”. She never failed to share pictures or stories of her grandbabies. She was very proud that her three granddaughters became nurses. Shelby shared a special bond with Grammy. If you knew Shelby, you knew Grammy. But then came the title “Great Grammy”, Ellison Charlotte became her “punkie puddin”. The staff at Hillcrest knew when Ellie was in the building, Grammy happily showed her off. Shelby jokingly says “I think I’ve been replaced” because when Ellie was in the room, NOTHING else seemed to matter.

Julia is survived by her Daughter Jodi (Douglas) McCloud of Chapmanville, WV; Son Darren (Terri) Wright of Whitman, WV; Grandchildren Shelby McCloud of Chapmanville WV, Brianna (Bobby Joe) Hager of Whitman WV, Ashley (Brandon) Evans of Portsmouth, OH and John Derek Wright of Whitman, WV; Great Grandchildren Ellison Cook, Aubree and Jase Evans and a host of cousins, her aunts Doris Mason and Carolyn Willis and her Uncle Wayne Culver of Indiana whom she remained close to over the years. 

The family would like to extend a “Thank You” To Hillcrest Healthcare Staff for the kindness and loving care over the past 2 years, we know Julia was tough some days. Thank You to Kanawha Dignity Hospice, and Shana Workman, RNfor your support since April. Jodi and Shelby want to extend a special “Thank You” to Abbie Myers, CNA, and Chassidy Engel, CNA for going the extra mile these last few weeks to make her comfortable and loving her as your own. You weremore than her CNA, to us, you are family. Thank You,Joaquine Ooten and 20 Whitman Community Church for always being there for our family. 

Funeral services will be held at 2 pm Thursday, July 25, 2024, at the 20 Whitman Community Church with Pastor Joaquin Ooten officiating. Burial will follow in Highland Memory Gardens at Chapmanville. Friends may call from 12 pm until the time of the service Thursday at the church.

Online condolences may be left at www.jamesfh.com

Arrangements have been entrusted to the care of Akers-James Funeral Home, Logan, WV