Julia Lawrence

Julia "Dolord" Lawrence passed away at home on Sunday, January 25, 2026. Julia was born to Terry Lester and Velma Dean Smith on May 21, 1952. She was a lifelong resident of Atwood and a member of the Howse Baptist Church for many years.

She is survived by her husband of almost 49 years, Jamie Joe Lawrence of Atwood, two sons Nicholas and Wesley both of Atwood and a stepson Jeremy Heath of Red Bank MS. She was also Nana to her three grandchildren, Landon Gage, Isabella Grace and Leylan Garland all of Atwood, one brother Steve Smith of Cedar Grove, five sisters Cathleen Ward of Huntingdon, Janice Smith and Sharon Smith (Frankie) both of Atwood, Dianne Brown (Al) of Milan and Debbie Thompson (Steve) of McKenzie, three sisters in laws Camille Smith of St. Louis, Kay Wade of Camden and Ann Ellis of Huntingdon. She was loved by many nieces and nephews.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by two sisters Anita Reynolds and Bobbie Helen Powers and four brothers Howard, Dayle, Jackie and Paul Smith.

Julia worked at Varsity in McLemoresville. She loved the Lord and served Him in many ways in her church. She loved people and liked to cook and help the needy. She took care of her special needs son, Nick, with loving care and spirit for 47 years. She was known to have a green thumb with all her beautiful flowers and a hobby for feeding and bird watching, especially the hummingbirds.

Julia will be greatly missed by her sweet smile and her love for people.

Funeral service will be held on Sunday, February 1, 2026, at 2 PM at Bodkin Funeral Home with burial to follow in the Howse Cemetery near Atwood. Visitation with the family will be held on Saturday evening from 5 – 8 PM and on Sunday from 11 AM – 2 PM at the funeral home.

Bodkin Funeral Home

731-686-3111