Julia Johnson Brooks

"Dynamite"

Julia Brooks, formerly of Portsmouth, Virginia, was born on May 16, 1958, and passed away peacefully on November 3, 2026, surrounded by her loving family at her home in Smithfield, Virginia.

Julia was a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend. On February 7, 1987, she married the love of her life, Lewis “Eddie,” and together they built a life filled with family and memories.

She leaves behind her loving husband, Eddie, and her two daughters, Candice Vande Brake (Jordan) and Miranda Kelly (Joe) and greatest blessings were her grandchildren: Wyatt, Prestley, and Kennedy, Jane and Brooks with another grandchild eagerly expected February 2027. Her family was an essential part of her life whose love will continue through generations to come.

Julia is also survived by her sister, Jerianne Epps, and her husband, Wayne Epps. She was preceded in death by her parents, J.C. and Geneva Johnson, and her sister, Dianne Pond, and brother-in-law, George Pond.

Julia was a graduate of Old Dominion University and worked as a Juvenile Intake Officer in Newport News, Virginia, dedicating her professional life to working with young people. Her faith was also an important part of her life as she was a devoted member of Oak Grove Methodist Church.

Julia found happiness in the simple things that made life beautiful. She loved country music, the outdoors, and took great pride in the azaleas that surrounded her home. Her farm in Smithfield was truly the farm of her dreams, a place where she could enjoy the things she loved most: her horses, her flowers, and her neighbors.

Her love of horses began when she was just 18 years old, when she trained her beloved stallion, Raffian. From that moment forward, horses became a lifelong passion and an important part of who she was. She continued to own and love horses throughout her life, and Raffian would always hold a particularly special place in her heart. Her horses were more than a hobby; they were part of her identity and the life she had always dreamed of living, which is now being passed down through the next generation.

Julia leaves behind a family who will forever cherish her memory, the stories they shared, and the love she gave. She will be remembered for her independent spirit, her love of family, her country music playing in the background, the beauty she found in her flowers, and the horses that captured her heart.

May she now live her forever story riding free on her white stallion through Heavens pearly gates.

A funeral service will be held on Friday, November 6, 2026, 2 p.m. at Littles Funeral Home, Smithfield. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, if inclined send donations to Diamonds in the Rough Equine Rescue, 15209 Reuter Lane, Windsor, Virginia 23487.

Online condolences may be registered at www.littlesfuneralhome.com