Julia Bradford Land, a long time resident of Lake City, died Wednesday, November 9, 2011, at Haven Hospice. She was 101 years old. Born October 18, 1910 in Asheville, North Carolina to the late Joseph and Annie M. Bradford. Julia was a graduate of St. Genevieve of the Pines, a private Catholic School in Asheville, North Carolina. Upon her graduation from St. Genevieve she entered St. Leo's School of Nursing in Greensboro, North Carolina. After receiving her Nursing degree from St. Leo's School in 1934, she began her private work at the Sanitarium in Asheville, NC for TB. In 1936, Mrs. Land returned to Greensboro, NC, where she was employed at the Clinic Hospital as Assistant to the Superintendent of Nurses. In 1937, she came to Lake City, Florida where she was accepted at the Veterans Administration Hospital. She remained in Lake City, Florida until her retirement in 1968 after 31 years of service. Upon her retirement from the V.A. Medical Center, she continued to volunteer her services to Shands at Lake Shore and completed 1885 hours of dedicated service.
Mrs. Julia Land was preceded in death by her husband, Marvin Foy Land. She is survived by her daughter, Judith Land (Donald) Willen, who reside in Lake City, FL.
Other surviving relatives are; Ronald (Blanche) Land, Jacksonville, FL; Joanne Land Keiter, Lake City, FL; Gloria McKeithen (Aubrey) Harper, Lakeland, FL; Mary Ann (Guy) Morris, Asheville, NC; Frank (Georgie) Mulvaney, Asheville, NC; Kay Mulvaney (Dewey) Allen, Morganton, NC; her grandchildren: Kelly Anne Willen (Jason) Eldridge, Greenville, SC; Christopher (Hannah) Willen, Knoxville, TN; and Timothy (Marti) Willen, of Knoxville, TN; great grandchildren, Skylar Hicks of Greenville, SC; Jacob, Caleb, and Luke Willen of Knoxville, TN. Julia also leaves behind numerous nieces and nephews, and loving and supportive friends.
Mrs. Land was an active member of Epiphany Catholic Church beginning in early 1937. She was always faithful in her attendance and to the support of her church throughout her lifetime. Her church family was a true support to her in her latter years as well as the caring staff at Willow Brook Assisted Living and Haven Hospice, both located in Lake City.
A few of her favorite past times included playing bridge, and in her early years, she loved playing tournament tennis. After her retirement from nursing, she began her travels to Europe and throughout the U.S. She always loved attending musical concerts while traveling abroad or in New York. She was from a large family of nine children and music was at the center of her family's life. She sang at musical events throughout her life and many of her family members were also talented in piano and organ.
A rosary service will be held on Monday, November 14, 2011, at 4:00 P.M. at Epiphany Catholic Church.
A Funeral Mass at Epiphany Catholic Church will be celebrated on Tuesday, November 15, 2011, at 11:00 A.M. with Father Michael Pendergraft officiating. Visitation with the family will be held at 10:00 A.M. until service time on Tuesday.
In lieu of flowers, donations made in her name to Epiphany Catholic School, 1905 SW Epiphany Court, Lake City, Florida, 32025, (386) 752-4470, or Haven Hospice, 6037 U.S. Hwy 90 West, Lake City, Florida 32055 (386) 752-9191. GATEWAY-FOREST LAWN Funeral Home, 3596 South U.S. Hwy 441, lake City, Florida 32025, (386) 752-1954 is in charge of arrangements. Please feel free to leave words of love & encouragement at www.gatewayforestlawn.com