Julie Ann Thomas Wilkins

The staff of Heishman Funeral Home/Valley Funeral Service sends condolences to the family of Julie Ann Thomas Wilkins. After living her life serving the Lord, Julie Ann Thomas Wilkins passed away unexpectedly on November 22, 2024, at the age of 72. She loved her family and friends fiercely and unconditionally and will be greatly missed. Julie was born on May 4, 1952, in Harrisonburg, Virginia, to James Arthur Thomas and Helen Hepner Thomas. Julie is survived by her husband of 47 years, Lenord L. Wilkins; her mother, Helen Thomas of Mount Jackson, VA; brother, Jamie Thomas (Karen) of Orkney Springs, VA; and sister, Melisa Thomas (Mike Chambers) of Mount Jackson, VA. She was preceded in death by her father, James A. Thomas. Julie graduated from Stonewall Jackson High School in 1970, She then earned her Bachelor of Science degree in Education in 1974 from James Madison University. Her first and only teaching job was at Stonewall Jackson High School in Quicksburg, Virginia, where she taught Health and Physical Education and coached girls’ basketball, track and tennis. After 40 years of teaching and coaching, including four state championships, Julie retired—but there is no doubt that she will forever remain a Stonewall Jackson General. Julie was a lifelong member of Saint Mary’s Pine Lutheran Church in Mount Jackson, Virginia. Her faith was strong, and she began and ended each day by reading the Bible and studying scripture. She served the Lord by serving others whether it was by taking home-cooked meals to friends and family in need or by giving a stranger a warm blanket and words of faith. Julie was not afraid of hard work literally staying busy from sun up to sun down. She experienced true joy through gardening, spending time at the beach, music, the outdoors, reading, cooking and taking care of those she loved. She enjoyed creating and sharing laughter with her wit and humor and was loyal beyond measure to her friends, family, God and country. A family visitation for Julie will be held at Heishman/Valley Funeral Service at 14116 S. Middle Road, Edinburg, Virginia, on Tuesday, November 26, 2024, from 6-8 p.m. A Celebration of Life service will take place on Wednesday, November 27, 2024, at 11 a.m. at Saint Mary’s Pine Lutheran Church and will be officiated by Vicar Steve Povlish followed by burial at the Mount Jackson Cemetery. Memorial contributions may be made to Stonewall Jackson High School Athletic Department, c/o Keith Cubbage, 150 Stonewall Lane, Quicksburg, VA 22847 or to St. Mary’s Pine Lutheran Church, c/o Sandy Estep, 1823 Georgetown Road, Mt. Jackson, VA 22842. Online condolences may be left at valleyfs.com Arrangements by Heishman Funeral Home Inc., Valley Funeral Service Branch, Edinburg.

Julie Ann Thomas Wilkins

May 4, 1952 - November 22, 2024