Julia Samko Akeman

JULIA SAMKO POWELL AKEMAN of Hopewell was blessed beyond the greatest expectation of living a life of 100 years from May 30, 1921 until August 9, 2021. She was the daughter of the late John and Barbara Samko, who immigrated from Slovakia, making Julia a first-generation American. She worked at Tubize and then her career was at Brown & Williamson in Petersburg where she retired after 30 years. She enjoyed life to the fullest with her family and friends; always having fun dancing, especially the polka, and even dancing in her kitchen the month before her 100th birthday. Her love for gardening showed through her beautiful flowers and award-winning tomatoes. She enjoyed baking and sharing her pies, cakes, and cookies but reserved her poppy seed strudel for her family on holidays. Julia loved God and worshipped as a member of Powers Memorial Baptist Church. She became a loyal member of the Hopewell Community Center, not only enjoying swimming and exercising but also pot-luck lunches and travelling to many places around the world. She was also a member of the Women of the Moose for most of her life.
In addition to her parents, Julia was preceded in death by her 8 siblings: Annie Brooks, John Samko, Jr., Andrew Samko, Mary Wray, Barbara Freeman, Michael Samko, George Samko, and Elizabeth Swimelar; a son, Phillip Powell, Jr.; a daughter, Nancy Stanley; and a great-grandson, Chad Bungard. She is survived by a daughter, Rachael Tench, of Kenbridge; a son, Raymond Powell, and his wife, Patti, of Hopewell; a legacy of 10 grandchildren (Trina, John, Merrill, Keith, Lorelie, Gardner, Sandra, Malinda, Arlene, and Samantha); 17 great-grandchildren; and 25 great-great grandchildren; nieces, Lorraine Samko, Virginia Baldacci; nephews, Hubert Swimelar, Jr. and Stuart “Cotton” Brooks, and many other extended family members. A funeral service will be conducted at the Hopewell Chapel of J. T. Morriss & Son Funeral Home on Friday, August 13, 2021 at 2 P.M. Interment will follow at Appomattox Cemetery. The family will receive friends at 1 P.M. at the funeral home. In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the charity of your choice in memory of Julia. Condolences can be registered online at www.jtmorriss.com