Julia Black Strader

Julia Black Strader of Lexington, died peacefully at home on June 8, 2022.

Julia Strader was born in Taylors, South Carolina on November 5, 1925, the middle daughter of Helen Barnhardt Black and John McKinley Black. She married her beloved husband, Eugene Ray Strader, on February 16, 1957 in Greenville, South Carolina.

Julia graduated from high school in Greenville, South Carolina in 1942. She graduated from Furman University with a major in Spanish in 1946 and from Emory University with a nursing degree in 1950. She was a pediatric nurse in Greenville, South Carolina when she met her future husband.

After the wedding, Julia and Ray moved to Lexington in 1957 where he opened his medical office specializing in family practice. Throughout her years in Lexington, she cherished and loved all of her wonderful friends and enjoyed all the lunches and dinners, tennis games, bridge and mahjongg games shared with those friends.

Julia was active in the community. She was a member of First Presbyterian Church. She served on the board of Family Services of Davidson County. For 25 years, she and Kitty Anderson delivered meals for Meals on Wheels. She was a member of the Charity League and a strong supporter of the Hattie Lee Burgess Home. She was an avid reader and enjoyed participating in the O’Henry Book Club and reciting her favorite quotes.

Julia is survived by her three beloved children: Eugene Ray Strader, Jr. (Gene) and his wife Patty of Wilmington; Ann Strader Hanley and her husband Fallon of Raleigh; and Charles Allen Strader of Lexington and girl friend Tracey Cope; and her cherished grandchildren: Eric Strader Tise of Broomfield, Colorado and John McKinley Hanley (Jack) of Raleigh. Also surviving are: her beloved sister Mary Robinson with whom she talked almost on a daily basis and her sisters-in-law Inez Handy and Theresa Strader. Julia is also survived by much-loved nieces, nephews, step-grandchildren and step-great-grandchildren.

She was predeceased by her beloved husband of 62 years and her parents. Julia was also predeceased by: her sister Virginia Rubin; her brothers-in-law, Bill Robinson, Elwood Strader, Gordon Handy, Arlee Williams and Virge Perdew; sisters-in-law Edna Perdew, Virginia Williams and Shirley Hodaff; and nephews John Rubin, Craig Strader, Phillip Perdew; and niece Patricia Williams.

At Julia’s request, there will not be a funeral or memorial service. Instead, she requested that in lieu of flowers, memorials may be made to First Presbyterian Church, 300 South Main Street, Lexington, NC 27292; Family Services of Davidson County, 1303 Greensboro Street Ext., Lexington, North Carolina, 27295; Hospice of Davidson County, 200 Hospice Way, Lexington, NC 27292 or to any charity of one’s choice.

The family would like to thank Hospice of Davidson County for their love, care and support.