Julia Sargeant

1952 - 2026

Julia Kirk Sargeant was born on November 15, 1952, in Norfolk, Virginia, to Samuel Rowell Sargeant and Elizabeth Lunsford Sargeant. She died on January 26, 2026, in Williamsburg, Virginia, where she lived for more than forty years. By her side was her lifelong best friend and chosen sister, Leslie Turner-Babcock.

Julia's early years were shaped by both deep loss and deep love. After the sudden death of her parents in 1961, she and her younger brother, Preston Sargeant, moved to Roanoke to live with their aunt Sue Lunsford and uncle George Jennings and their family. Her older siblings, Jackie Daniel Hawkins and Samuel Rowell Sargeant, moved into aunt Anne Lunsford and uncle Calvin Burton's home across the street. Though raised primarily among her mother's family, Julia maintained strong, lifelong bonds with her Sargeant cousins that were a cherished part of her life.

She graduated from Patrick Henry High School in 1971 and was active at St. John's Episcopal Church in Roanoke. Julia attended Converse College, where she was a member of the synchronized swimming team, and later pursued graduate studies in history at James Madison University.

A lifelong Girl Scout, Julia earned the organization's highest honor, the First-Class badge. She was also a longtime camp counselor at Camp Nimrod, where her love of children and belief in their potential shone brightly. She was a devoted aunt and great-aunt who showed up faithfully for the moments that mattered.

From 1983 to 1995, Julia was married to David Hoar; their friendship endured after the marriage ended.

Julia spent nearly four decades working for the Virginia Department of Social Services, beginning in 1981 and retiring in 2020. She most valued her work as a Senior Social Worker, serving individuals and families with compassion, intuition, and quiet resolve.

Julia loved her family fiercely and was a loyal, steadfast friend. She loved the Lord, enjoyed travel, always remembered birthdays, and had a gift for making people feel seen and valued.

At Julia's request, no formal funeral service will be held. A celebration of life will be planned at a later date. Memorial donations may be made to Heritage Humane Society or the Friends of Williamsburg Regional Library. To share condolences or receive updates, visit virginiacremate.com.