Julia Messick Hurt

Julia Messick Hurt - Julia M. Hurt died on April 13, 2012. She is survived by her children, Lucy H. Wallace, R. Susan Hurt and her husband James C. Stallman, and James Walter Hurt; her grandchildren, Michael B. and Holly Wallace and Jonathan Wallace; and her great grandchildren Colton Wallace and Emory Wallace. Born on March 14, 1923 in Irvington, Virginia to Walter W. and Ethel C. Messick, Julia Clay Messick adored her older brother Bill (deceased) and was devoted to her two sisters Lucy Conrad M. Earle and Ethel Carlyle M. Rhodes (who survive her) as well as all of their families. The three sisters known as The Messick Trio sang close harmony from a young age onward, and appeared on the radio and at the opening of The Tides Inn. For a recent performance, see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4WZPuqLgOKM. Julia loved growing up in the Northern Neck, but when the family moved to Front Royal in her senior year in high school, she quickly made friends. After taking a year off, Julia matriculated at State Teachers College in Farmville where she earned a B.S degree in Chemistry in 1946 with a minor in Math. She was very proud of her alma mater as it grew into Longwood University. Julia went on to become a medical technologist with time spent in Roanoke and Front Royal before meeting the love of her life, James Warren Hurt. They were married on September 4, 1954, and they had 54 very happy years together in the Richmond area. After marrying Jim, Julia became a dedicated wife and mother. A 50-year member of Bon Air United Methodist Church, Julia was active in the Sallie Carroll women’s circle and the Minner/Waters Sunday School class. Julia loved God, her husband, her children, her family and her friends. Your passions became her passions, and you loved her because she first loved you. She was the embodiment of God’s love among us. She liked to read, play bridge, and work crossword puzzles. She was a life-long student and enjoyed visiting new places and meeting new people. She was a recent resident of Chesterfield Heights in Midlothian where she quickly made friends with residents and staff alike. The name Julia means “youthful one,” which she certainly lived up to. Her bright smile and joyful heart will long be with us. Visitation will be 4-7 p.m. on Friday, April 20th at Woody Huguenot Chapel, 1020 Huguenot Road, Midlothian, VA. A celebration of Julia Hurt’s life will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday, April 21st at Bon Air United Methodist Church at 1645 Buford Rd., Richmond, VA 23235 with a reception to follow. Donations to the church may be made in lieu of flowers.