Julia Rose Birdsong

Julia died at the age of ­­­­­­90 of natural causes at Heritage Green Senior Living Center in Mechanicsville, VA.  She was born on a Friday to Charles and Annie Acree Spence in Mecklenburg, VA.  Julia was the youngest of six children (two boys and four girls) in a warm and loving family.  She was generous, kind, creative, and an advocate for children and pets.

Most of Julia’s life was spent in Wake County.  She was fortunate to have two fulfilling careers.  Julia was secretary to the Director of Human Resources at Carolina Power and Light Company for many years, and after retiring, she had an opportunity to work at the NC Legislature as secretary for North Carolina’s singing Senator, Charlie Albertson.

Outside of work, Julia excelled in whatever she decided to do.  Her home was decorated only as Julie could do and, in addition to her many paintings and collected works of art, she had funny sayings in the kitchen that always brought a smile to whoever was there.  She was an excellent cook and made the best cheesecake with a chocolate cookie crust. She did needlepoint to give as gifts, and she could turn a plain clay flower pot into a work of art to make a home for a plant.

Julia was a friend to many and was always available to lend a hand without being asked.  Julia loved to shop and could spend half of a day with her friend and carpool buddy (Ruth) shopping at Kmart.  When Ruth’s grandson died, Julia was there and made votive candle holders in memory of the grandson for a few of the family members. Of her many interests, her love for her dogs was always at the top of the list—from Labs to lap babies, Julie brought home rescue dogs and gave them a good life.  Her dogs always received a Snickers bar on their birthday!

When the time came for Julia to need extra care, her niece Betsy was there to find just the right place for Julia near her home in Mechanicsville.  Betsy’s daughter, Dana, took Julie’s dog Chico, into her home.  Julia’s move to Heritage Green Senior Living Center made her later years especially nice. The staff was great and her special friend Wren (Life Enrichment Director at Heritage) made Julie feel at home with his singing, his prayers when needed, and his overall goodwill to everyone who lived there.

Julia is survived by her niece, Betsy Thrift, and nephews James Brewer (Linda), Kenneth Brewer, Ricky Brewer, Ray Brewer, and Keith Sandeford.

Please visit the Hockaday Funeral and Cremation Home website and share your memories of Julia with her family.  If you would like to honor Julia’s memory, support your local animal adoption organization, register and VOTE in our elections, check the organ donor on your driver’s license, and remember that the care of the children, the disabled, and others who cannot care for themselves is everyone’s responsibility.

(NKJV): Matthew 6:6, Matthew 6:1-15, Matthew 7:1-6 and Matthew 25:40.

A Graveside Service will be held on Friday, September 12, 2025 at 2:30 PM in Cedarwood Cemetery with Wrenn Mangum officiating.  Friends can sign the online register by visiting www.hockadayfs.com .  Hockaday Funeral & Cremation Service is serving the Birdsong family.