Mrs. Julia M. Land

Julia was the youngest child born to Daniel and Lucinda Jones, in Marianna, AR on December 28, 1923. Elmer and Emma were her older brother and sister, her pride and joy. All preceded her in death. The Jones family moved from Marianna, AR to Chicago, IL in the 1920's. Julia graduated from Englewood High School in 1942. She accepted Christ at an early age and attended Progressive Baptist Church on Chicago’s south side. In 1948, she was united in holy matrimony to the late Archie Clinton and to that union two children were born: Tyrone and Cynthia. She later became a link in the Shiloh Baptist Church chain, under the pastoral leadership of the late Rev. Owen D. Pelt. She was an active member of the Senior Ushers Ministry where she met and married the late Deacon Walter Land and faithfully served as a Deaconess. Julia and Walter were blessed with two daughters: Yvonne and Patricia. In addition, Julia gained three daughters: Mary, Shelvia and Mildred and three sons: Arthur, Rezell and Walter Wadell. Julia, affectionately known as Mama, Gramma and GG, had a true love for children. She had a distinguished career with the Chicago Board of Education, where she served for many years as a teaching assistant. She retired in 1984 and began providing private home childcare. Julia was a great cook and was always assigned to prepare the dressing for thanksgiving dinner. Her chicken and dumplings with cornbread meal was second to none. She handed down her sweet potato pie recipe for future generations to enjoy. Most of all, she loved peppermint candy. Her dress style was impeccable and she was an avid shopper. It was jokingly said that her children were raised in the mall! She could be found shopping at Evergreen Plaza in Chicago on any given Saturday morning. Julia relocated to Atlanta, GA in 1995, where she united with Victory Baptist Church and served on the Mother’s Board until her health declined. She then relocated to Kalamazoo, MI to be cared for by her loving daughter Cynthia. She attended Mt Zion Baptist Church, in Kalamazoo, when her health allowed. Julia transitioned into eternal rest on Tuesday evening, February 9, 2016 at Bronson Methodist Hospital. She will be remembered by many but her memory will be most cherished by her beloved children: Mary Powell, Arthur Land (Patricia), Shelvia Maxey (deceased), Rezell Land (Henrietta), Walter Waddell Land and Mildred Williams, all of Chicago, IL, Tyrone Clinton of Centerville, VA, Cynthia McGrew of Kalamazoo, MI, Yvonne Land of Greenville, SC and Patricia Henderson (Jeffery) of Stone Mountain, GA; 13 grandchildren, 13 great grandchildren, 2 great great grandchildren and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. Also, special friends who will hold dear her memory are Laverta Allen, Wanda Wilson, Edna Bronner and Mabel Washington all of Decatur, GA. A special acknowledgement: Leeroy Hofacker of Kalamazoo, MI, who assisted in her care.

Mrs. Julia M. Land

December 28, 1923 - February 9, 2016