Obituary of Julia Mae Furlow

Julia M. Furlow at the age of 84 years old passed at her home in Utica, New York on Monday January 22, 2024, she was surround by her loving and devoted family. She was a devoted mother and matriarch of a large extended family, she left an indelible impression on the many people she touched.

“Ju” as she was known by her loved ones, was born in Pineview, Ga, on September 8, 1939. As a young woman Julia left the south and moved to Utica New York with her young daughter to begin a new life. It is there where she held several jobs but the one she spoke about often is the work she did with one Prominent Utica family where she was exposed to a life of luxury. From that time forward she made certain that her daughter had every fine thing in life she wanted her to have and later she poured that same love and desire into her grandchildren and their children. She exposed her nieces and nephews alike to experiences they may not have had otherwise. Every year she would take as many kids as possible to the Good Ole Summer Time Festival making sure everyone received a treat. She loved the Ms. Utica Pageant, in fact her granddaughter LaKesha enter that pageant one year and she loved it! For Julia family was everything, it was not unexpected if someone became sick she would show up at their home and take care of that person for as long as it took, all while cleaning their homes until it shined from the ceiling to the floors!

Julia is survived by her brother JW Asbell (Josephine), her loving daughter Sandra Furlow, her husband GW Furlow, her four grandchildren Shanta Furlow, LaKesha Gaffey, Dana Furlow, and Freddie Williamson. She also leaves behind a host of great-grandchildren: Jalissa Furlow, Alex Bonilla, Serenity Brothers, Regina Anderson, Gloria Bonilla, John Doty, Obie Hawkins, Andre Daniels, Dylan Mcleod, Amina and Amir Mason, Gianna and Ariel Williamson nieces and nephews; Theresa Wynder, Rosie Wynder, Carmelitta Wynder, Sam Wynder, Vincent Wynder, Toya Wynder, LaShonda, Yanira Dawson, John Dawson, Janelle Dawson, Chucky Watson, Terry Watson, Johnny Watson, Andy Watson, John Paul Watson, Robert Watson, Curtis Woodson, Juanita Woodson, Nicole Lester, Jerome Lester, Izell Bembry, Jamillah Bembry, Curtis Beavers (Karen), Randall Beavers, Rashida Doles, Sabrina Doles, Jamar Johnson, Shavar Jackson and Sage Cobbs and a multitude of other great-nieces, and great-nephews.

Special nieces, nephews and friends, Lizzie Lester, Lanette Lester-Wright (Joe), Cynthia Chaney (Ray), Michelle Wiliams, Daniel Bembry, Joshua Woodson (Opal), Willie Coney (Georgia) of Georgia, Joseph Coney of Rochester, NY Marcel Bembry (Jennifer), Judy Bembry of Utica, NY, and Joe Coney of Rochester, NY, and Myrtis Winston of Utica, New York, Larry Beavers, Utica, NY.

Julia was preceded in death by her parents and siblings: Mrs. Mattie Bell Bembry, Mr. Earl Benjamin Worthy, Mr. Willie C Lester (Po Boy), Mrs. Ethel Coney, Mr. Fred Lee Lester, Mr. Gail Lester, Mary L Woodson, Mr. Carl Lester, George Lester, Mrs. Rosa Mae Dawson, Mrs. Flatcher M. Beavers.

She will be remembered for her love and devotion to her family. Julia's memory will live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her. Julia’s entire family would like to thank the 2^nd and 7^th floor staff at The Grand Rehabilitation and Nursing Home, In Utica, New York and Hospice and Palliative Care staff and nurses especially Pastor Wally, Crystal and Julie for their compassion, kindness and professionalism during her time with them before going home to live with her daughter.

Arrangements are under the care of Heintz Funeral 1517 Whitesboro Street, Utica, New York 13502. Viewing will be 9:00am until 11:00am on February 2, 2024, followed by a funeral Service is at The Greater Holy Temple Church, 1309 Howard Avenue, Utica, New York at 11:30am until 1:00pm the committal Forest Hill Cemetery, Oneida Street, Utica.

     Those wishing to donate in Julia's memory, please consider, Hospice and Palliative Care, 4277 Middle Settlement Road, New Hartford, NY 13413.