Julia Kay Shuford

Julia Kay Eckard Shuford passed away on Monday, 27 February 2023 in Cary at the age of 80. She was married to Gordon Eric Shuford, Jr. for over 55 years and the mother to two daughters, both living in Cary.

A Celebration of Life Reception and a time to visit with the family will be held on Sunday, March 26th, 2023 from 2:00 PM to 4:00 PM at Brown-Wynne Funeral Home, Cary.

Julia was a native of North Carolina who born and raised in Hickory and was the oldest daughter of Floyd Allen Eckard and Margaret Poovey Eckard. She graduated from Hickory High School in 1960 and Appalachian State University in 1964 with a B.S. in Home Economics where she received her teaching certificate. She attended a graduate program at Greensboro University before accepting a teaching position at St Stevens High School in Hickory in 1966.

In March 1967, she married Eric Shuford in Hickory and left to begin married life at Fort Huachuca, Arizona where Eric was stationed with the US Army. In 1968, Julia and Eric returned to North Carolina after he was released from active duty and settled in Raleigh where Eric began his career with Carolina Power & Light Co.

During the ensuing years, the Shuford family was blessed with two wonderful daughters, Kimberly Karol and Kristina Kay. They raised their girls in Cary where Julia was active in their school activities. She also worked with Belks in the administrative office until her girls graduated from college. She was always focused on maintaining their family home and becoming an outstanding cook.

Julia is survived by her husband, Eric; daughters Kimberly Bradley and Kristina Shuford of Cary; two grandchildren, John S Bradley and Erika K Bradley; sister, Lisa Hamby of Taylorsville, NC and a brother, Allen Eckard of Hickory, NC.

In lieu of flowers, individuals are encouraged to make contributions to Transition LifeCare, 200 Hospice Circle, Raleigh, N C or a charity of your choice. Cremation services were provided by Brown-Wynne Funeral Home in Cary.