Julia Bird, 83, passed away peacefully at home on December 10, 2024, in Davidson, N.C. Julia was born on July 10, 1941, in Birmingham, Ala., to Milton Lydell and Margaret Barksdale Howell.

Julia attended Auburn University, where she met Thomas D. Nolen. While in Auburn, they got married and started a family. Their union was blessed with Thomas D. Nolen Jr. and Melinda E Nolen. Later, Julia continued her studies at Mitchell Community College, receiving an associate degree as well as attending the University of North Carolina Charlotte, earning a bachelor’s degree in Education.

Thomas Sr. preceded Julia in death (1985), during her first year as a public school teacher for Iredell County. Later she taught in the Mooresville School District. Julia’s education career spanned 35 years and featured church kindergarten, substitute teaching, and middle school math.

As a social person, Julia met Stephen K. Bird while attending a church fellowship group. He introduced her to car clubs and racing, while she shared sports information with him. Julia and Steve married in 1988. She enjoyed plants, books, and especially watching the Carolina Panthers football team. As PSL owners for thirty years, Julia and Steve attended the games, including both Super Bowls (in Houston, Texas, and San Jose, Calif.).

The devoted couple participated in the Statesville Corvette Club for many years. Also, while living in South Carolina, they enjoyed friends at a monthly dinner group. They traveled often to the Biltmore Estate in Asheville, N.C., one of her favorite places. In addition to the North Carolina mountains, Julia loved the beach. She often walked the Isle of Palms shoreline and the Shem Creek Park. They also tackled the Cooper River Bridge Run/Walk a few times. The couple traveled extensively to destinations such as London, Paris, Italy, Alaska, Mississippi River, and Northeastern U.S.

As a loving grandmother to four granddaughters, Julia shared travel stories and life lessons. She thrived on holiday gatherings and special life celebrations for birthdays and graduations. For example, this year she traveled to Highlands, N.C., Wilkes Barre, Pa., and Roanoke, Va.

Julia was preceded in death by Margaret Howell (Mother) and Milton Howell (Father), as well as Pat Howell and John Howell (Brothers).

Cherished memories of Julia will forever be with her devoted husband, Stephen K. Bird; children, Tom Nolen and Melinda Turner (Charlie Bobo); granddaughters, Grace Nolen, Elizabeth Nolen, Elizabeth Turner (Justin Dobbs) and Caroline Nolen; along with other loving family and friends.

Friends and family will be received at Nicholson Funeral Home on Friday, December 20, 2024, at 10 a.m. with a funeral service to follow at 11 a.m. Pastor James Lewis will be officiating. Burial will follow at Oakwood Cemetery in Statesville, N.C. Funeral arrangements are entrusted to Nicholson Funeral Home, 135 E. Front Street, Statesville, NC 28677, (704) 872-5287.

Nicholson Funeral Home is serving the family.