Julia McGruder

Julia McGruder was the eldest child born to the late John and Elizabeth Francis Brooks Martin on January 28, 1937 in Bossevain, W. VA. Julia was a trail blazer and didn't let a late start in life define nor deter her. In 1973, she received an Associate in Science degree from Tri-C College. Though only 30 credit hours from a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology, she realized in her current career position she was operating at a Master's degree level without even having a Bachelor's degree. Julia lived life on her terms which were by no means perfect but in her 86 years, it DID encompass much success and amazing dividends! She also had a vast amount of accredited certifications which include Certified Alcoholism Counselor, Chemical Dependency Counselor III, Reality Therapy, and Intervention Skill Building. She was also Internationally Certified as a Clinical Supervisor/ Alcohol and Drug Counselor. Her work experience in the Mental Health Care field spanned more than 40 years of expertise. From 1969-1975, she served in Mental Health capacities with Children's Aid Society, The Center for Human Services and Southeast Community Mental Health Center. This afforded her the opportunity to become the Director of the Men's Halfway Home in Painesville in 1976. In 1982 another door opened and with it, a new title, "Weekend Residential Awareness Program Facilitator" while being employed at Alcohol and Drug Abuse of Geauga County. In 1984 blessings rained down again as Julia became Supervisor of the Oak House of Painesville, a Women's Halfway Home. In 1985 she transitioned again taking a job at Glenbeigh as a Family Centered Manager. Her last "calling" (as her work WAS a part of her ministry) would be at Lake Geauga Center on Alcoholism and Drug Abuse, Inc. where she would ultimately retire from. She was hired as an Outpatient Counselor in 1992. Upon retirement from this position, she would retire only to be rehired as a contracted employee part-time providing again outpatient counseling. After having done this for a number of years, Julia would go on to retire AGAIN but this time being memorialized in honor of her dedication to the care and well being of others. Located at Lake Geauga Center is a plaque on the wall entitled, "The McGruder Wing." Julia confessed Christ at an early age. Shortly after moving from Cleveland to Painesville, she united with St John Baptist Church. She remained an active and faithful member until her health conditions no longer enabled her to attend in person services. She served as Chairman of the Deaconess Committee, Co- Chaired the Missionary Board and also launched St John's Monday Women's Bible Study. Many years ago she became a member of Bible Study Fellowship (BSF) which is an International Non-Denominational Bible Study. In September 1978, Julia's dedication would be recognized by an induction into the Lake County Women's Hall of Fame. She was an active member of the NAACP of Painesville where she served as Treasurer from 2014-2022. She also served on the AAdams Board from 2015 - 2022. God turned weeping into joy her as she became a member of AA in 1967 and was faithful to the cause and its mission until the end. Julia was united in matrimony to her late husband, Ronald McGruder in 1987. Together the dynamic duo served Christ together at St John Baptist Church but neither of them forgot THEY WERE THE CHURCH OUTSIDE OF THE FOUR WALLS! TOGETHER they founded, "New Beginnings," an AA group that CONTINUES to impact the lives of others. She and her husband also instituted a sober house over 12 years ago called the "Phoenix House." As a couple, they epitomized Ephesians 5:33. Julia may have only birthed three children but she sowed countless seeds into countless lives! Her relentless servanthood, her commitment to "each one reach one," is a testimony to how much she Loved God and her fellow man. She truly did enjoy gardening, digging into the Word, a great shopping experience and having a nice piece of chocolate. On Tuesday, March 21, 2023, our Beloved Julia was peacefully called home to be with her Lord. Those who were called home before her include her Erie PA siblings Norma (Bonnie) Williams, Larry Martin, Deborah Shelby and Barbara Anne Martin, a grandson, Willie Dill Jr., and a great- grandson Tea'Karrous Jackson. She leaves to forever cherish her memory two siblings Roger Martin (Delores, San Antonio), Clara Whitaker (Houston), three daughters Linda Adams (Emiel, Houston, TX), Lezlee Sims (Tony), Shannon McGruder, two sons Willie Dill, Elijah McGruder, who lovingly called her Mom, Her circle of Love included nine grandchildren, Montrell Adams (Houston), Tyron Adams (Houston), Marcus Sims (Austin), Cody Adams (Dallas) Aaron Adams (Houston), Angelo Bolden (Cleveland), Anthony Sims (Cleveland), and Nicole Sims (Cleveland), eleven great- grandchildren, a host of nieces and nephews that she loved dearly and extended family members Pat Johnson, Jeff Moore, Michael McPherson, and Larry McCauley, a host of brothers and sisters in Christ and in AA. Services will be 11 am Saturday, April 1, 2023, at St. John's Baptist Church 361 W Jackson St., Painesville. Visitation at the church will take place one hour prior to the service. An in-person visitation will be held Friday, March 31, 2023, from 5-7 pm at Monreal Srnick Funerals & Cremations, 35400 Curtis Blvd., Eastlake.

Julia McGruder

January 28, 1937 - March 21, 2023

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