Julia Maddrey Hassell, a devoted mother, wife, grandmother, pillar of Edenton and champion of women’s rights, passed away on July 16, 2021 at Elizabeth City Health and Rehabilitation. Julia was 94 years old.
She is survived by son Glenn Hassell (Donna) of Elizabeth City, grandchildren Craig of Goldsboro, Owen of Wilmington and Kim of Canton, Michigan, one greatgrandchild and sisters Maxine Earley and Helen Casebolt. She is predeceased by her husband, Roy, son Danny, father Cecil Jarvis Maddrey, mother Virgie Hill Maddrey and eight siblings.
She was born on April 10, 1927, one of 11 children in Severn, N.C. Julia cultivated her work ethic alongside her parents and siblings by picking cotton and peanuts. After one year at Greensboro College, Julia moved to Edenton with her husband in 1946, where she went to work at businesses such as Malone’s Dime Store, Belk’s, Jimbo’s Jumbos peanuts and Byrum Implement and Truck Company. Since 1989, she worked at Shepard-Pruden Memorial Library in downtown Edenton.
Julia was a member of Edenton United Methodist Church for 75 years. She chaired the committee to construct its present church building on Virginia Road. From choir member, Sunday School teacher, youth fellowship counselor, president of United Methodist Women, chairwoman of committees such as finance, stewardship, social concerns and pastoral relations, piano and organ player, usher — and making and selling a myriad of chicken salad dinners for various fundraisers — Julia saw no task she couldn’t handle as a messenger of God’s Word.
She was also determined to deliver the message for women’s rights. Julia was a member of the Business and Professional Women’s Club. Named Club Woman of the Year in 1969, she became state president in 1977. Julia spoke to numerous groups on the role of women in today’s society, which took her across the state, country and eventually the White House and then-President Jimmy Carter to lobby for the Equal Rights Amendment.
“We have the chance to stand up and be counted, and we must not lag behind, hiding behind resentments, prejudices, jealousies or the flimsy excuse that women are scatterbrains who are wonderful because they eat right, exercise and take Geritol every day,” Julia said in one of countless speeches.
In Edenton, she served on the Citizens Advisory Council, an appointment by the mayor. In 1974, Julia was named Woman of the Year for achievements in the home, church and community.
Julia believed the Lord blessed her “richly and wonderfully” and prayed that when she passed “the Lord can say ‘Well done my good and faithful servant.'”
A funeral is scheduled for Wednesday, July 21, 2021 at11:00 a.m. at Twiford Memorial Chapel officiated by the Rev. Valerie Tyson. Burial will follow at Beaver Hill Cemetery, Edenton, NC. The service will be livestreamed at www.facebook.com/TwifordFuneralHome.As an expression of sympathy, memorial contributions may be sent to the Edenton United Methodist Church Building, 225 Virginia Road, Edenton, NC 27932.
Twiford Memorial Chapel, 405 East Church Street, Elizabeth City, NC is serving the Hassell family. You may express condolences to the family by visiting www.TwifordFH.com.
To plant a tree in memory of Julia Hassell or send flowers to the family, please visit www.TwifordFH.com/send-flowers.
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Carm Hooper
Glenn and Donna, I’m praying God’s peace and grace to surround you thru this difficult time.
Much love in Christ,
Carm Hooper, Alvin, TX
Phillip Jernigan
Glenn and family, May our Heavenly Father bless and comfort you during this time of sorrow.
Dona Whitehead Yunker
Glenn, Donna and family,
My heartfelt prayers and condolences. May you find peace during the sad loss of Mrs. Hassell. From her obituary, I can see what a Godly servant she was during her lifetime. No doubt she has found her heavenly home and is at rest. May the memories she shared live long in your heart.
Rhonda & Jesse Wood
Donna , Glenn & Family, Thinking of you all. I know Ms. Hassell will be greatly
missed by family & friends. She lived a nice long life & has now found eternal peace.
May the memories of the times shared with her bring you peace , now and in the days ahead.
With Our Sympathy,
Rhonda & Jesse Wood
Byron Perry
Glen, Donna & Hassell Family, Sending my sincere sympathy & prayers
to you on the loss of Ms. Hassell . I know she will be missed very much .
With Sympathy,
Byron Perry
Linda p smith
Miss Julia was a sweet lady.she was friends to all she met.she will be missed.one of the brightest stars has gone dim.prayerz to her family.
Lisa White
Glenn, Donna and family, My thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. Ms. Hassell was certainly one tough lady whose life was so full of accomplishments. May all your wonderful memories bring you peace..
Ginger Krappitz
Sending prayers for your loss. Julia was a wonderful person and I can tell by the memorial above that she contributed much to this world. Glenn, Donna, Craig, and Owen you are blessed to have been related to her and Roy. My heartfelt sympathies I send to you all.
Mike and Mary Ervin
I am sorry to learn of your loss and pray that the comfort you need has been granted by our God of all.
Mary Lynn Murphy
May the pain of your loss heal gently as you celebrate Julia’s life long and fruitful life and her new life in Christ.
Keeping you close in prayer and sending family love and blessings,
Mary Lynn Murphy
Bart and Claudia Resta
We loved Julia so much in the library and feel deeply saddened by her death. Wishing you peace.
Claire Belch Broughton
Glenn, so sorry to hear of the loss of your mother. What beautiful memories you have to cherish. May God comfort you and your family and give you peace.
Ginger Krappitz
Kim and I watched the beautiful live stream service honoring Julia. Owen, you did a great job capturing your Grandmother and her personality. Our thoughts and prayers are with you all. Ginger and Kim
Carolyn B. Williams
I along with Business and Professional Women/North Carolina members across the state were saddened to learn of Julia’s passing. She was a dedicated member of the Edenton BPW and progressed through the ranks ably serving in a number of capacities including State President during 1977-1978. Julia was a true “southern lady” and was admired and loved by all who knew her. She touched the lives of countless individuals and will surely be missed. Up until the past few years Julia and I stayed in touch with the exchange of Christmas cards and she usually wrote a note to let me know what had been happening in her life. Our sympathy is extended to her family and acquaintances.
Carolyn B. Williams, BPW/NC State President 1974-1975
Pat Sledge
I learned just today of the passing of Ms Julia. I knew her as a dedicated member to Business and Professional Women, and although I joined many years after she was the State President, I always enjoyed seeing her and getting to know her at our Conventions and other state events. She was a delightful lady and will be missed. I appreciate the quote in her obit in regard to women’s rights. My generation is carrying on her legacy, and I hope that I am instrumental, as was Julia, in passing that torch on to the girls and women who follow us until we have Equality for all. Sincere sympathy to all your family.
Linda McGehee
I too just learned of Julia’s passing. She was an asset to Business & Professional Women/NC and a great mentor to those of us who followed. As State President (2001-2002), Julia and the others (all terrific women) in the Edenton BPW served as the greeters at my convention and we had great fun planning what they would do. My sincere condolences to the family.
Carolyn Nixon
I Am so very sorry for your loss she was one of very last customers also one of my favorites such a wonderful women who will be missed by many.