Julia Annie Rucker

"This is the day the Lord has made; We will rejoice and be glad in it."

Psalm 118:24

Please be advised that Julia Annie McDaniel Rucker, at the age of 95, has moved. She received a call from God, the Chief Architect, early in the morning of July 30, 2025. God informed her that she had sent up enough timbers to complete her new home. With her ticket in her hand, Julia left her earthly home and boarded the morning train for her eternal one.

Julia was born in Amherst County, Virginia on September 29, 1929, to the late John McDaniel and the late Margaret Carter McDaniel. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, James W. Rucker; her daughter, Lynda McCray; and her siblings, Lucille Blackwell, Frances Rucker, and George McDaniel.

Julia was baptized in the Pedlar River and joined Timothy Baptist Church. She served faithfully on the Usher Board, Missionary Ministry, Willing Workers Circle, Senior Choir, Hospitality Committee, as a Sunday School Teacher, Church Clerk, and on the Deaconess Ministry. In her later years, she began attending Ivy Hill Baptist Church, which was closer to her home. As her health declined and she could no longer attend in person, she would say, “I went when I could. I hope the Lord will forgive me as I am not able to go now.”

Julia learned to drive later in life but continued to drive well into her 90s. She loved talking on the phone daily with her sister, family, and friends. She would slip a good joke into conversation when you least expected it, leaving you standing there with your mouth open in shock. She had a deep love for writing letters and getting mail. Every letter began with a Bible verse. She would stay up into the wee hours writing letters, working puzzle books, reading scripture, and answering Bible study questions. She’d write a little, sleep a little, then wake up and write some more. The next day, if a letter didn’t sound the way she wanted, she’d tear it up and start over. She saved every card or letter she received, always writing the date on the envelope.

Julia collected Bibles in every translation old and new along with religious books, Bible study materials, puzzle books, home remedy guides, newspaper clippings, and obituaries. She enjoyed watching good preaching, gospel music, game shows, court TV, and animal or game warden shows on television.

Those left to cherish her memories and carry on her legacy are her loving and devoted son-in-law, Clarence E. McCray, Sr.; three devoted grandsons, Dr. Clarence E. McCray, II (Erin), Lawrence McCray (Jessica), and Joseph Lee; a stepson, Wilbert Dawson (Margaret); 10 great-grandchildren: Kameryn (Harley), Matthew, Devin, Jasmine, MiKayla, Donovan, Noah, Dominic, William and ReShawn (Whitney); five great-great-grandchildren: Kameryn II, Josie, Olivia, Marley, and Micah; one loving sister, Lillian McCray; a devoted nephew she called her son, Linwood T. McDaniel; and a niece like a daughter, Stella A. Hall (Larry). She also leaves behind her adopted grandchildren Marlo Henry, Leroy and Vickie Dawson, and Rose Wheeler. She also had a longtime pen pal, Margaret Snead, and devoted Friend Emma Tibbs. She is also survived by a host of nieces, nephews and other relatives and friends.

Whether you were ending a phone call or leaving her presence, Julia always left you with two simple words “Nite, Nite.” A gentle goodbye that now echoes in our hearts.

"Nite, Nite."

A funeral service celebrating her life will be held at 2:00 p.m. on Tuesday, August 5, 2025, at Timothy Baptist Church, 2061 Buffalo Springs Turnpike, Amherst, Va. Her remains will lie in repose one hour prior at the church.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg is assisting the family.