MARY JENKINS JULIUS

1932 - 2016

 
MARY JENKINS JULIUS (Age 83)  
On Friday, October 14, 2016 Neé Mary Evelyn Jenkins, Mary was born October 20, 1932. An only child, she grew up in Baltimore, MD. She attended and graduated from Paul Laurence Dunbar High School as valedictorian. Mary expressed an early interest in medicine. Mary met the love of her life and soulmate, Jerry Julius, while walking to the local grocery store. They married on September 12, 1953. Their union has produced four sons, four daughters, and nine grandchildren. Mary had attended The Johns Hopkins University School of Nursing, but her schooling was interrupted by motherhood. Years later, Mary earned a bachelor's degree in English from University of Maryland. Shortly after that she earned an associate's degree in nursing from Prince George's Community College. Upon attaining her RN license, she gained employment at DC General Hospital as a pediatric nurse, primarily serving on the Adolescent Unit. Mary's vocation was to nurture - especially children. She lived out this calling in several ways; first, as a stay at home mom, later as a full time pediatric nurse. Among her duties there was working in the NICU, and with crack babies - comforting them and educating their adoptive parents. Mary loved her job as a nurse, saying "I can't believe they pay me to do this!" In 1990, Mary was nationally recognized by her peers as Pediatric Nurse of the Year. Mary was the ultimate "Mom". In addition to raising her eight children, she was surrogate mother to numerous neighborhood children. She was a self-taught gourmet cook and baker. She lovingly prepared meals from scratch. In addition to cooking, Mary loved to read and do needlework such as knitting, crocheting, and needlepoint, but her favorite craft was cross stitch. She was known for working on multiple craft projects at a time. She had a talent for TV game shows, once qualifying to appear on Jeopardy. Mary and Jerry enjoyed listening to opera together, and walking. Mary Julius personified love and was devoted to her faith and family. She leaves behind an impressive legacy of love. Services for Mary Julius will be held on Monday, October 24, 2016 at St. Joseph Catholic Church, 2020 St. Joseph Drive, Largo, MD 20774, viewing at 10 a.m. followed immediately by Mass at 11 a.m. Arrangements entrusted to SNOWDEN FUNERAL HOME. www.snowdencares.com