Julie Paul Smith

1957 - 2024

Julie Paul Smith

September 13, 1957 - November 30, 2024

Julie Paul Smith, 67, of Glen Allen, Va., went to be with the Lord on November 29, 2024. She is preceded into heaven by her father, James A. Paul; her sister, Roberta P. Martin; her brother-in-law, Ron S. Thorpe; her stepmother, Phyllis J. Paul; her stepbrother, Jimmy G. Stephenson; and her stepbrother-in-law, Barry Beard.

Julie is survived by her beloved husband of over 43 years, Robert 'Bob' Frank Smith, Jr.; her daughter, Jamie M. Smith; her mother, Ruth R. Paul; her grandson, Julian D. Smith; her seven sisters-in-law, Joanne McKey and husband, Bill, Leslie Smith, Cindy Naughton and husband, Rick, Judy Rappaport and husband, Rick, Robyn Thorpe, Jamie Rathje and husband, Joel, Jennifer Mirabile and husband, Ron; her brother in-law James Smith and wife, Kimberly; her stepsister, Patti Beard, and her stepsister, Carole Stephenson.

Nieces and Nephews, James and Jessi Greenlow, Kenny and Haley McKey, Josh Malamud, Jimmy and Catie Naughton, Lyndsay and Eric Tkacik, Michael and Paul Schwartz, Max, Carly and Elias Rappaport, Aly and Cameron Mirabile, Jackson and Jennalyn Rathje, Juliet, Liza and Preston Smith.

Born in Champaign, Ill., Julie attended college at Mississippi State University, where she met the love of her life, Bob, and the two have been inseparable ever since. She received her degree in nursing from the University of Southern Mississippi in 1980. On Bob's graduation day from MSU, they were married and started their journey through the SEC. Julie, a dedicated nurse, followed Bob's coaching career through various states, always making significant contributions to the healthcare field. She began her career in the Critical Care Unit at LSU, later transitioning to the Open-Heart Unit at UT. Following a three-year stint in critical care in Lexington, Ky., she settled in Richmond, Va., where she spent 22 and a half years at MCV. During her time at MCV, she played a pivotal role in developing a medical program for the ER with Cerner and rose to the position of Clinical Coordinator.

Julie was a vibrant and adventurous soul, who went out of her way to find the tallest, fastest rollercoasters to ride always. She was a compassionate animal lover, always ready to open her heart and home to a furry friend in need. A thrill-seeker at heart, Julie loved the excitement of NASCAR, even driving at 133 MPH in the NASCAR Experience, outpacing her husband by 2 MPH. She was a skilled martial artist, achieving a third-degree black belt in Tae Kwon Do, a devoted Trekkie, a passionate reader, and an avid fan of the Chicago Bears and New England Patriots. Julie's love for travel took her to many places, with Hawaii holding a special place in her heart. Julie was a dedicated member of Kappa Kappa Gamma sorority, and a longtime member of Trinity UMC. Known for her generous spirit, Julie loved giving, whether it was through acts of service, thoughtful gifts, or simply sharing her time and love with others.

The family will receive friends 5 to 6 p.m., with a Celebration of Julie's life at 6 p.m., Thursday, December 12, 2024, at Bliley's Staples Mill Chapel 8510 Staples Mill Road, Richmond Va., 23228. Her lifetime of service will be recognized by the Central Virginia Nurse's Honor Guard with a Nightingale Tribute. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in her memory to The Christmas Angel Foundation Inc.

For condolences and to view a livestream of her service, visit www.blileys.com.