Julia Marie Steverson, 100, of Grain Valley, Missouri passed away Wednesday, August 21, 2019 in Independence, MO. A graveside service will be held at 1:00 p.m. on Saturday, August 31st at Valley Memorial Gardens, Grain Valley.
“Do not let your hearts be troubled. You believe in God; believe also in me. My Father’s house has many rooms; if that were not so, would I have told you that I am going there to prepare a place for you? And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come back and take you to be with me that you also may be where I am.”
John 14:1-3
Julia was born July 13, 1919 the second oldest daughter of 6 siblings, all who preceded her in death, to John Henderson and Louida Western, in Forkland, Alabama. Being in a small town, Julia attended elementary through high school at Birdine Elementary School, and attended college for one year. Although she didn’t have the opportunity to finish college; she was pressed upon to teach school during World War II, as many of the male teachers had been called off to war. This was something that she loved and was very proud of. It was also during this time, that she would meet her future husband Johnnie, at an old fashioned “Box Supper”, and they were soon married on October 23, 1942.
After marriage, Julia relocated to Detroit, Michigan, and worked various jobs, including a maid, as it were in those times. But she would also work as a “Rosie Riveter”, and help make airplane parts in a Detroit factory during the war. She and Johnnie traveled, and even live in California, but Detroit, Michigan, was destined to be home. So they moved back to Detroit, bought a home, and for a short time, opened up a grocery store and later a restaurant, where she often mentioned how they had to ration meat, because of the war. But it wasn’t until years later, after being a housewife and mother, that she would renew her love of teaching. She became a Paraprofessional at Foch Middle School in Detroit, Michigan, where she was loved by the students, and worked there until she retired, in order to help take care of her Grandson, whom she loved dearly.
Julia professed and was baptized into Christ at a young age at Birdine AME Zion Church in Forkland, Alabama. She later became a member of New Liberty Baptist Church in Detroit, Michigan, where she participated as a missionary, visiting the sick and comforting those who had lost loved ones with a kind word, or a plate home cooked food. She also would continue to profess her belief in Christ as her Savior until the day she departed this earth.
Julia loved family, and you were never a stranger in her home. She leaves to mourn her passing her Daughter, Pamela D. (Robert) Gray of Grain Valley, MO; Grandson, Mark S. (Christina) Stockdale; Great Granddaughters, Harper C. and Ryann J. Stockdale all of Redford, Michigan; One niece and Three nephews; a host of Great nephews, nieces, Step and adopted Grand and Great Grandchildren; and a host of family friends.
Arrangements: Royer Funeral Home, Grain Valley, MO 816-847-4441