She was born in Washington D.C. on March 15, 1936 and was a graduate of Hopewell High School. Julia auditioned and was formally accepted as a member of the Radio City Music Hall Rockettes of New York. After touring with the Rockettes for 4 years, Julia traveled throughout Europe for 6 months with 3 other girlfriends. She then worked at California’s Walt Disney Land, where she was a dancer for 2 years at Slue Foot Shoe’s Golden Horseshoe Revue. Even though being offered a position to return as a Rockette at Radio City, Julia decided to return to Richmond, VA to work at the DMV. While working full time at the DMV, Julia fulfilled a dream of hers by opening her own Dance studio known as the Professional School of Dance Arts. There she taught ballet, tap, jazz, and other forms of dance to young girls for 2 years. Shortly thereafter, she would fall in love and marry George T. Smith on August 11, 1962. Since George was active duty Army, she decided to close the dance studio and become a dedicated Army wife and mother.
Julia is the beloved daughter of the late Lloyd & Huldah Browder of Richmond, Va. She is survived by her best friend and devoted husband with whom they just celebrated a 50th year anniversary on August 11, 2012. She is also survived by her son, George T. Smith II and his wife, Gianna H. Smith; as well as 2 grandchildren, Adam C. Smith and Chelsie R. Smith, all of the Tabb area of York County.
Julia will always be remembered as a devoted wife and homemaker, who truly loved her family…especially when it came to the grandkids. In addition, she will be fondly remembered as a kind and gentle soul who enjoyed the outdoors, being around people, enjoying a good laugh, as well as always watching and critiquing the Rockettes kicking up their heels during the Macy Day Thanksgiving Parade.
The family will receive friends from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm on Tuesday (8/21/12) at Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home, 2551 North Armistead Ave, Hampton, VA. The family requests casual dress attire be worn for visitation. Funeral services will be held on Wednesday (8/22/12) at 11:00 am in the funeral home chapel with Pastor Pete Hurst presiding. Entombment will directly follow the service at Parklawn Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, the family request that expressions of sympathy be made in Julia’s name to a charity of choice.
Friends are encouraged to visit www.parklawn-woodfh.com to share memories and words of condolence with the family.
Arrangements are under the care of Parklawn-Wood Funeral Home, 2551 N. Armistead Avenue, Hampton, VA 23666.
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