Julia Waldrep Stevens

 Julia Stanford Waldrep Stevens, age 88, was born in Forsyth, Georgia August 2, 1934.  She passed away from complications related to dementia/Alzheimer’s on Wednesday August 17, 2022 while residing in Virginia.

Julia was widowed in 2015, after a 59 year happy marriage to James P. “Steve”Stevens.  She resided in LaMesa, California from 1956 through 2018. Julia had an amazing nursing career for over 48 years at Mercy Hospital in San Diego, CA. A trailblazer, Julia completed her nursing degree at a time when not all women thought about going into the professional workforce. She worked as an Operating Room nurse; for many years was the OR Supervisor completing work schedules and operating budgets.  She was very active in the Association of Operating Room Nurses and held several leadership positions in the San Diego Chapter of the AORN. 

Julia was strong in her faith; she was a founding charter member of her church since 1962; San Carlos United Methodist Church in San Diego. She actively attended and volunteered until her move to Virginia. After leaving California, she continued to attend her church by streaming the services online.

Julia and Steve loved to sail in San Diego Bay, she was an avid reader, enjoyed a good Scrabble game, and spent her vacations always visiting family. She loved attending family reunions, and gatherings with her Mary Persons class of 1952. She lovingly cared for her husband Steve for years during his long illness, always a caregiver. 

Julia is survived by a loving family including her sister,  Nancy Waldrep Fussell and her husband Jackie of Broxton Georgia; nephew Justin Fussell  and his son Jackson of Columbus Georgia; nephew Mike and his wife Linda Estes of Griffin, Georgia; great nephew Curtis Estes and his wife Erin, great nieces Jennifer Garcia and Amy Brown all of Georgia. 

Also missing Julia is daughter Susan Stevens Crosby and her husband Louis of Goose Creek, South Carolina; grandchild Gregory Artman and his wife Mary of Texas; grandchild Christina Artman  and her children Abigail and Emma of West Virginia. 

She will also be dearly missed by daughter, Mary Kate Stammetti and her husband Vince of Centreville, Virginia; grandson Kevin Stammetti and his wife Evan Northup of Washington DC.  Julia is also survived by sister-in-law’s Nita Offerman, and Kathy Fluty of Arizona  and Joanne Stevens of New Hampshire and their families. Many cousins will also be missing Julia. 

Julia was preceded in death by both parents, Stanford Alexis Waldrep and Julia Reeves Waldrep; husband James P. “Steve” Stevens; sister Sarilois Estes and brother-in-law Gene Estes; and nephew Brett Fussell. 

A memorial service and celebration of Julia’s life well lived will be held Saturday September 10, 2022 at 11:00 am at Monroe County Memorial Chapel, 86 W Main Street, Forsyth, Georgia 31029.  A visitation will precede the service at 10:00am.

In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in Julia’s memory to her church, San Carlos United Methodist Church, 6554 Cowles Mountain Blvd., San Diego, CA 92119. https:// www.sancarlosumc.org/Give

Monroe County Memorial Chapel has charge of arrangements.