Julia Marie Groce, born on March 17th, 1943 passed peacefully on Friday, July 9th in her home at the age of 78, Born in Gadsden, Alabama to Eugene and Bonnie Bradford on March 17, 1943. At an early age, she accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior and joined Sweet Home United Methodist Church. Julia graduated from Carver High School in 1963 and after relocating to Grand Rapids, continued her education at Grand Rapids Community College and became a member of First Community AME Church. Julia met her husband, Nolan in 1964 on the campus of GRCC and they later married on April 13, 1968. Julia was valued for her servant spirit and grateful heart. She had a way of making you feel like you were the only and most important person whenever you called on her. Grateful for all things, Julia would thank you and rush to repay you for even the smallest act of kindness.
Julia was preceded in death by her parents, Eugene and Bonnie; husband of 44 years, Nolan; her siblings, Mary Curry, Randy and Mellie; her father and mother-in-law, Daniel Sr. and Katie B; and sister-in-law, Marjorie Blackmore. To honor her memory she leaves behind her youngest sister, Barbara Martin; two sons, Nevin (Amisha) and Javier; grandchildren, sisters-in-law, brothers-in-law, a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and special friends.
Services are being held on Monday, July 19, 2021 at 11 am at MKD, 4646 Kalamazoo SE Kentwood with visitation from 10-11 am.