Julia Josephine (Bailey) Birckhead

Julia Josephine Bailey Birckhead was born the eldest of three daughters to Herman and Carrie Demby Bailey on July 29, 1931. She attended local schools in Wicomico County, and the Maryland Wicomico County area.  Julia earned her undergraduate degree in secondary education from the then-named Bowie State Teacher’s College in 1954. She continued her studies at Columbia University, and completed her Master’s Degree in Education.

In 1956 Julia was united in holy matrimony to the love of her life, Noah James Birckhead. This union produced three daughters:  Norine, Alice, and Judith. She was also a mother to John Williams.  Her children knew the love of their mother. 

Julia taught in the Worcester and Wicomico County school systems for over 40 years. Being a giver, Julia excelled at giving her time and talents. She was a devout lifelong member of Friendship United Methodist Church, and served as a lay speaker. She was a volunteer with several church, civic and community organizations, including the United Methodist Women, combined Quantico-Hebron-Wetipquin Charge Choir, Maryland State Retired Teachers Association, National Congress of Black Women, Bowie Alumni Association, Salisbury High School Alumni Association, the NAACP, Wicomico County Retired Teachers’ Association, the VFW Auxiliary, Eastern Star, and the Wicomico County Commission for Women.

Julia was an avid reader and loved gospel music. She read her Bible and several devotional books daily. Her favorite gospel artists were Mahalia Jackson and James Cleveland. Julia also had a great interest in ancient civilizations and societies.

She was preceded in death by her husband Noah, her daughter Alice Jones,  her son John Williams, and her siblings:  Blanche Bailey Greene, Marian Bailey Church, and William Demby Bailey.

She departed this life to be with the Lord on April 27, 2020.  She leaves to cherish her memory daughters: Norine and Judith Birckhead;  brother- in-law: Harry Lee Church; six grandchildren and eight great-grandchildren; as well as loving nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

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