Julia Powell Blackwelder

November 16, 1948 - October 9, 2010
Julia Powell Blackwelder


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Julia Blackwelder, age 61, passed away October 9, 2010 at Duke University Medical Center in Durham N.C. after a lengthy illness.

Mrs. Blackwelder was born November 16, 1948 in Windsor, NC to the late Ella Smith Powell and Jonathan Stokes Powell.

Julia graduated from Vardell Hall in Red Springs, NC and Queens College in Charlotte, NC. after which she moved to Wilmington, NC where she met and married Charles MacKay Blackwelder, Jr on September 27, 1986. She worked for the NC Department of Corrections until her retirement.

Julia suffered a lifetime of Type 1 Diabetes and was a strong spokesperson for organ donation. She will be remembered by countless friends both old and new. She was a tender and honest soul, always available for helping others, no need too large or small, driving people to the doctor or visiting the elderly. Julia was never defined by her limitations but by her ability to overcome situations most would find unimaginable. Her courage shone bright for all that knew and loved her, our world has dimmed without Julia.

In addition to her husband, Julia is survived by her sister Chris and husband Wilson Glasgow of Charlotte and her two brothers, Bill and wife Agnes Powell and Jack and wife Adalia Powell of Windsor; nieces Betsy, Agnes, Julia and Mary and nephews; Jon, Jeff, Wil and Jack. Her husband’s sister Diane and husband Wayne Johnson and their children Lori and Chris.

A memorial service to celebrate Julia’s life will be Saturday, October 16th, 12 Noon at Oleander Memorial Garden, Wilmington, NC.

In lieu of flowers, please make donations to your local Juvenile Diabetes Association or the charity your choice.

Please share memories and condolences by clicking on the “Sign Guest Book” tab above.

Wilmington Burial and Cremation Service, 1535 S 41st Street, Wilmington, NC 28403 910.791.9099


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  • October 11, 2010
    Javan Davis Eaton says:
    I loved Julia. We were friends in H.S. together. She was so much fun and so outgoing. I am so glad she was a friend. You also have been so lucky and blessed to have had her in your lives. Regards and sympathy to all of you.

  • October 21, 2010
    Joan Dorsey McPherson says:
    Dear Chuck, Chris, Jack and Bill, My heart aches for each of you at the huge loss of your wife, Chuck, and your sister, Chris, Jack and Bill. It was the greatest joy for Barbara and me to see Julia and Chris in Charlotte this summer. The sharing of stories of New Bern, Nags Head brought healing laughter to us. Julia's wonderful sense of humor lives on in all of us who love her!!! Now she is with so much of our family who welcomed her back home!!!! Dearly love you! Joan

  • October 12, 2010
    Susie Jones-Smythe says:
    My thoughts and prayers are with all of Julia's family at this time.

  • October 14, 2010
    Barbara Dorsey says:
    It was with deep, deep sadness that I received the message from Chris, Julia's sister, letting me know that Julia had died. Our mothers were sisters and we spent many summer vacations at Nags Head with the Powells and other family members. The joy of so many memories brings great happiness to me as I remember Julia and her great gift of hitting an issue "head on" or her gift of telling a story and the laughter that would erupt during the telling. She had an immense desire to live life to it's fullest and be grateful for every day. When I saw her recently she talked mostly about her family; her nieces and nephews and her beloved sister, brothers and their wives. There was no doubt that Chuck and her family and friends gave her the courage and the will to literally fight for her life. She will be sorely missed but I like to think of her joining her "mamma and daddy" as well as all the other family "saints" that have gone before her. May the Lord comfort and bless you, Chuck, Chris, Bill and Jack and all members of the Powell family. Barbara

  • October 12, 2010
    Anne Altieri says:
    Chuck and Family, How hard it is to say goodbye to this beautiful lady...speaking also for our grand-daughter, Julie, who is her God child. Our last visit with you and Julia was at the beach house at Easter. We had great conversation together, and talked about happy times. Hopefully, we can do this again with you, Chuck. We would be with you on Saturday, except I have had knee surgery with difficulty walking. Please know that we will hold you close in thought and prayer that day and always. Chuck, our love and sympathy to you and to all who loved your dear wife. Our love, Anne and Ed Anne and Ed