Julia H. Brown

OAKLAND -- Julia H. Brown, 79, passed away on Friday, Oct. 28, 2011. She was born in Oakland, Dec. 3, 1931, the daughter of Frank and Edna (Kerr) Brown.

Julia grew up on a dairy farm in Oakland, helping run the farm with her parents and brother, Russell, and resided there until her death.

Julia graduated from Williams High School in Oakland, class of 1950. She was a member of the glee club and served as treasurer and business manager for many school projects. In her junior year, her classmates elected her to attend Girls State in Orono. She graduated as salutatorian of her class and received many awards. Julia was honored that she wrote the words to the class song.

Julia's banking career began at the Depositors Trust Co, in Waterville on Sept. 18, 1950. She was later promoted to assistant treasurer and manager of the deposit function and was very involved with all departments from manual operations to computer systems. She served as the liaison for the Waterville area branches for their conversion. Julia worked in the Waterville office for 26 years and in 1976 was transferred to Augusta and remained manager and deposit operations officer for the state of Maine Key Banks. Julia continued her role as manager of deposit operations and monthly statement mailings. When Depositors Trust merged with Key Bank in Albany, N.Y., her responsibilities increased to other functions that included proof and adjustments, photo laboratory, direct deposit and bulk filing. Julia continued her service there for 20 years. After that time, all operations were transferred to Albany. Julia retired on Feb. 1, 1997, completing 46 years of banking. While in Augusta, she was chosen as employee of the month and officer of the year several times. Team work results in success.

Julia was a lifetime member of the Cascade Grange No. 92 in Oakland for more than 65 years. She served as an officer there for most of those years. She was also a member of the Kennebec Post Office and served as a chaplain for six years. Julia was also a member of the Maine State and National Granges.

Julia loved God and was an active member of the United Baptist Church in Oakland her entire life. Julia taught Sunday school and was the superintendent of the junior department and Baptist Youth Fellowship. At the United Baptist Church, Julia served as the treasurer for 38 years and was the organist and choir director for more than 40 years. She also played for and directed the community musical activities. Julia's music ministry was very rewarding and enjoyable for her. Julia served as the treasurer of the Lakeview Cemetery Association for many years. Her duties ended when its operations were transferred to the town of Oakland.

Julia enjoyed puzzles, music, nature and animals. Julie loved to maintain the grounds at the Brown Homestead. She loved life and enjoyed people and spent her life serving others.

She was predeceased by her brother, Russell P. Brown; nephew Michael Jurdak; niece Susan Church; and great-nephew Andrew Brown. Surviving are her niece Ellen Jurdak; nephews Roger E. Brown and wife Patricia, Peter G. Brown and wife Patricia, and Stuart Church; great-nephews Jon, Nicholas, Geoffrey, Brandon and Tyan; great-nieces Julie and Katelyn; and sister-in-law Dorothy A. Brown. She will be dearly and sorely missed by her family and loving church members and many friends.

"There are stars that go out in darkness

But whose silvery light shined on,

There are roses whose perfume still lingers

when the blossoms are failed and gone.

There are hearts full of light and sweetness

when no longer their life current flows,

still there goodness lives on with the living

like the souls of the star and rose."

Friends are invited to visit 7-9 p.m. on Sunday, Oct. 30, at Wheeler Funeral Home, 26 Church St., Oakland. A private service will be held at a later date.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to the Muskie Center, Gold Street, Waterville, ME 04901; or the Waterville Humane Society, 100 Webb Road, Waterville, ME 04901.