Julia Elizabeth Watkins Bundy

1930 - 2021

Based upon the DNA ancestry of her children, it is believed that Julia’s roots began in Nigeria. Her paternal ancestry has been traced as far back as her great, great grandparents, who were born in 1834 and 1837. Julia was the youngest of three daughters born to the late Joseph and Gladys Holcombe Watkins. She was preceded in death by her parents, her sisters, Kathleen Watkins Dandridge and Iva Watkins Pannell and her husband, Samuel Reece Bundy. She is survived by her daughter Judith Laurice Bundy Hampton (Marcellus) and Joseph Pierce Bundy.  Julia was born in Philadelphia, PA on March 21, 1930, and she spent the first six years of her life in White Plains, New York before moving to Bluefield, West Virginia, where she remained until 2013.  She graduated from Morristown Junior College.  She was the first African American to break the racial barrier for employment as an associate at Leggett Department Store (Belk) in Bluefield. She had a marvelous work ethic and she was admired by both shoppers and their children. She later became the Head of the Children’s Department. In in 1975, she opened and managed her own store, Coal City Gift Shop and the Coal City Auditorium. She was a member of John Stewart United Methodist Church, having served on the Usher Board, the Trustee Board and The United Methodist Women for many years.  She served as President of the Coquettes Club for over fifty years.  She adored and was adored by her son in law, Marcellus, her nieces, nephews, cousins, and devoted family friends. She graciously exercised her gift of diplomacy and kindness in her personal and professional interactions. She extended her motherly love to Ruth and James Palmer of Lakewood, CA. and Anthony Ephirim – Donkor (Ruler of Gomoa Mprumen, Ghana) and his wife Comfort., of Endicott, New York. Julia became the godmother to their children Anthony and Julia, who was named after her. She was also the Godmother of her niece, Deborah Bundy (Craig) Lindsey of Kernersville, NC.  She was caretaker to her late mother-in-law, Clara Johnson Bundy, who was stricken with dementia and her mother, Gladys, who went blind.  By 2007, Julia was simultaneously going blind and developing dementia. In 2013, the Bundys moved to Roanoke to be cared for by their children. Laurice and Marcellus, and son, Joseph. While in Roanoke, she became the mother of Christ Loves You Ministries, under the pastorship of the Rev. Connie Gammon. She attended services regularly until she became immobile. The marriage of Julia and Reece, who were deeply in love, lasted for 68 years, until his transition on November 27, 2018. During COVID-19 Julia reunited with her longtime friends at John Stewart United Methodist Church via Zoom. Julia was truly “three times a Lady” A devoted daughter, a faithful and loving wife, and a cherished mother.  She was most of all, a humble child of God with a heart of pure gold.

The Memorial Service for the late Julia Elizabeth Bundy, who transitioned on May 21, 2021, will be held on Saturday, July 10, at Serenity Funeral Home. Visitation begins at 11AM, followed by the Memorial Service at 12:000 noon, with Rev. Charmaine Vaughan officiating and Rev. Connie Gammon of Christ Loves You Ministries delivering the Eulogy.

*To view a live stream of the service, click here at the time of the service.