Julia Lee Melton

age 73, of Blenheim Road in Powhatan, VA died peacefully at her home Tuesday the 7th January, 2014.Julia was born in King and Queen, on May the 2nd 1940, a daughter to the late James McFarland, Sr. and Hazel Longest McFarland. Julia was the wife of the late Raymond Edward Melton, Sr. for 39 years.Julia possessed a kind heart, a generous soul, and showed love to all those she met throughout her walk in this life. Her Christianity was her foundation and she was a proud member of Fitzgerald Baptist Church, where she enjoyed participating and assisting in their many church functions, whether it be through her cooking, crocheting, or simply her love of people. Julia was a hard worker and enjoyed her many years carrying on the legacy left by her late husband, Ray, at Ray's Upholstery and Ray's trailer Sales. Julia possessed the knack of sales mostly due to her enjoyment of interacting with people and because she was an honest and truthful woman.Anyone that knew Julia, knew she loved barrel racing. Throughout her life, she travelled many miles attending barrel racing events with her family, which led her all over the country. People all over the world knew and loved her, mostly because she never met a stranger and possessed an inviting spirit . She had a special love for the sport and strongly supported not just her family but also her barrel racing friends, which were more like extended family. Julia was known as Nanny to all of them. She will be greatly missed working the shows, taking in entries, and rooting and hollering for everyone. Above all, Julia was most proud of her beautiful family who she definitely didn't mind bragging on. Her family was her life. She loved them hard and was all of their biggest fan. She was the type to stick by her loved ones through thick and thin. She was survived by many beloved family members. She was the mother to Raymond Melton, Jr. and Diane Renee Roper and her husband Mike. She was the grandmother to Michael "Adam" Roper and his wife Kay Kay and Amie Roper Sturgill and her husband Spanky. She was the great-grandmother to Raylee Brooks Roper, Clayton "Clay" Ashton Mann, Shawna Nastasi, Daphne Nastasi, Bella Nastasi, Preston Sturgill, and Caleb Sturgill.Julia will undoubtedly be missed by her loved ones, friends, and barrel racing family, but they can take solace in knowing she is assuredly rejoicing in heaven and reuniting with her husband, Ray and other loved ones that have gone on before her. The family will receive friends friday from 6- 8pm at the Bennett & Barden Funeral Home ,3215 Anderson Hwy(Rt.60), Powhatan were services will also be held 11 am Saturday. Internment 2 pm in the upper King & Queen Baptist Church cemetery.

Service:

11 am Saturday January 11, 2014

Bennett & Barden Funeral Home



Visitation:

6 - 8PM Friday January 10, 2014

Bennett & Barden Funeral Home