Julia Mae (Balom) Lawson

UNADILLA, GA-

Mrs. Julia Mae Balom Lawson was born June 25, 1945, in Pineview, Georgia, to the late Oscar and Ophelia Balom. Julia was affectionately known as “Baby Jule” by her parents and siblings or “Aunt Julia or Ju-Mae” by her nieces and nephews. Julia was the youngest of twelve children born to that union.

She graduated in 1964 from Excelsior High in Rochelle, Georgia and went on to study Computer Science at Essex County College after moving to Newark and East Orange, New Jersey. She joined Mt Air Baptist Church as a young girl and was very active displaying her love for God alongside her parents. While living in New Jersey, she did not forget her upbringing and love for the Lord. She became an active member of Grace Temple Baptist Church wherein she served as a member of the Women’s Choir and other auxiliaries throughout the Ministry. She was indeed a Virtuous Proverbs 31 Woman who worked willingly with her hands, her price was far above rubies, her husband’s heart trusted safely in her, she gave to the poor, she opened her mouth with wisdom and kindness, her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren call her blessed.

She moved back to Pineview in 1978 to support her parents. Upon returning she became the choir director for the Young Adult Choir at Mt Air Baptist Church. Julia always had a song in her heart and enjoyed teaching the choir new songs which they would perform at surrounding churches. One of her favorites, “A Charge to Keep I Have” – the family’s theme song was sung by her father and siblings. Julia was very well spoken and would often be asked to be the Mistress of Ceremony for church events and family reunions. She was extremely talented and very creative. She could sew, bake, cook and had an uncanny knack for creating something out of what appeared to be nothing – talk about being innovative.

She later met and married her loving and devoted husband, McArthur Lawson of Dooly County in 1984. The two enjoyed traveling, fishing, visiting family and friends as they built a life together. However, their love for their Grandkids outweighed everything. Julia worked for many years as a seamstress until she began supporting her husband’s entrepreneurial agricultural endeavors.

Julia was an exemplary Wife, Mother, Grandmother, Great Grandmother, Sister, Aunt, Cousin and Friend. She embodied the best of qualities: grace, kindness, unconditional love, unending generosity, patience, empathy and compassion. She leaves a Legacy of Love that could be seen in her family and all the lives she touched. She accepted everyone with an open heart, open arms and a beautiful smile.

Her loved ones who preceded her in death were her devoted husband, McArthur Lawson, parents, Oscar and Ophelia Balom, brothers, Arthur, George, Otis, Daniel and BC Balom and sisters, Naomi, Mattie, Carrie, Ossie and Ophelia.

Julia transitioned on Monday, January 29, 2024, in San Diego California, she was 78 years of age. She is now absent from the body and present with the Lord. Her passing is felt by her entire family and countless others who loved her.

Memories of her will forever be cherished by: her children, Reginald (Ruby) Balom of Miami, FL, Rhonda (John) Irving, of San Diego, CA, and Nancy (Dale) Bryant of Elko, GA; her grandchildren, Anastasia (Micah) Brodi, Jon Irving, Alexander Balom, Adrian Balom, Jada Irving, Terrence Howard, and Detress Darner; her great-grandchildren, Zion, Zoe, Amir, Levi Mac, Noah Lawson and Jesiah; 25 Bonus grandchildren and 100+ Bonus great-grandchildren; one sister, Johnnie Armstrong; six brothers-in-law, Albert Lawson, Eddie Charles (Shanta) Lawson, Hamp (Ora) Batton, Davis Holt, Jr., and Leon Nelson; three sisters-in-law, Patricia M. Bonds Dwight, Andrea Lynn Fruitrail, Kathy (Kenny) Williams and a special god daughter Tammy Adkison a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Public Visitation for Mrs. Julia Lawson will be held on Friday, February 16, 2024 from 4:00 P.M. until 6:00 P.M. followed by a Wake Service from 6:00 P.M. until 8:00 P.M. at the funeral home. Homegoing Celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, February 17, 2024 at 12 Noon at Mt. Air Baptist Church, 1154 Pineview Highway, Pineview, Georgia. Mrs. Lawson will lie in state at the church from 11:00 P.M. until hour of service. Burial will follow in the church cemetery. 

Professional Services of Comfort Entrusted To: Ferguson Funeral Home, LLC. "The Funeral Professionals”

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