Julie A. Powers (née Threadgill), 61, most beloved Wife, Mother, Sister, Memaw, and Mama Ju, died at home on Monday, December 7, 2020, after a year-and-a-half-long battle against lung cancer. She was comfortable and peaceful as she passed, surrounded by family and dear friends.
Julie was born in Memphis on January 23, 1959, to Terry and F.W. Threadgill. Her family relocated often during her childhood before eventually settling down in Kansas City, MO. Within a few short years of being in KC, she met her two greatest loves. The first came at the age of 19, when she turned to Jesus Christ in true repentance and faith. This moment would ultimately define her, as her abiding faith carried her through the rest of her life. Her second enduring love came along at 24, when she met Mark Powers at a prayer meeting. After a whirlwind few months of dating, they got engaged and were later married on February 4, 1984.
Julie worked as a legal secretary before she and Mark embarked on what would be their life’s greatest work: raising their family. With ten children, life was never dull. There were mornings studying the Word with her honey; days full of noise - whether singing hymns or debating theology; stacks and stacks of books being read; trips back and forth to their farm in Rozel, KS; and evenings with their kids’ friends (and friends-of-friends) piled on the beloved brown sectional eating fried rice or salad with that pitcher of ranch dressing - you know the one.
Life was full and expansive! There was always room for more, and the love and generosity that flowed from their home drew the masses. Julie created a place where countless friends, family, even strangers, found an open door and warm acceptance. Even after their children grew up and moved out, they would regularly stop by for a visit, just to be around her. Julie’s joy and fulfillment increased later in life as she became Memaw to an ever-increasing number of grandchildren.
Knowing the heartache of losing her mother when she was young, Julie cultivated a capacity to mother many others in addition to her own family. It brought her boundless joy to be a safe confidante and dedicated listener. Her gift of holding space for the heartache of others was unparalleled, and she would often end conversations by reaching out her hand with a “Let’s pray.” Always humble, she shunned the spotlight, but expressed her flair for all things colorful and beautiful through her dress, never one to shy away from a bold print or statement jewelry. She was fun to be around with a cheeky and sharp sense of humor - a must with five boys and five girls to raise.
A lover of reading and learning, Julie made education a vital part of her mothering. Because of her desire to pass on the faith she walked out, she chose to homeschool all of her ten children through high school and regularly said of homeschooling, “If I can do it, anyone can.” Her belief that every parent should feel empowered to champion their children’s education inspired her to mentor many families in their own homeschooling endeavors.
Of her many hobbies over the years, her works as a gardener and fiber artist were the most prolific and accomplished. Spring and Summer would find her digging in her lovely, peaceful garden; Autumn and Winter were spent crocheting in her rocking chair, listening to an audiobook. She also placed high value on moments of solitude. Surrounded by bustle and occasional chaos, she sought quiet moments and made time each day for a well-deserved nap.
After a joyful life well-lived, she has now entered into eternal rest with her Savior Jesus Christ, the King of Kings and Lord of all.
Julie is survived by her husband Mark Powers; her children Seth Powers (Julie), Esther Peak (Wesley), Levi Powers (Becky), Judah Powers (Evangelyn), Jesse Powers, Havilah Guenther (Uriah), Gideon Powers, Leah Powers, Lydia Powers, Rebecca Powers; brothers Jim Threadgill (Maggie), Chris Threadgill (Mary), Larry Threadgill (Mary); 13 adored grandchildren, as well as countless beloved friends. She is predeceased by her parents.
Visitation will be held at Manna Fellowship Church on Friday, December 18, from 4pm to 6pm, with a memorial service to follow, from 6 to 7:30. Services will be streamed for those unable to attend.
Manna Fellowship Church
17617 S, Rte 291
Pleasant Hill, MO 64080
