Julia Dobric Danford

Julia Dobric Danford left this life to move on to the next, on April 17, 2023. Born on September 30, 1921, in Barberton, Ohio, to Steve and Mary Dobric, she was a graduate of Barberton High School, in 1940. In 1945, she married Jack W. Fessler, Sr., shortly thereafter moving to Petersburg, Virginia, and raising two sons. While living in Hopewell, Virginia, Mr. Fessler passed away in June, 1965, after an extended illness.
In January, 1969, she married John E. Danford, of Hopewell, at Woodlawn Presbyterian Church. Mr. Danford's previous marriage brought three children to the fold, where he and Julia and their blended families eventually moved to Chester, Virginia, to share 29 years of love and laughter until his passing in September, 1998.
After, she continued to fully immerse herself in the work she had been performing since 1972, that, of first, a school bus helper and a few years thereafter, a teacher's aid at J.G. Hening and then O.B. Gates Elementary Schools in Chesterfield County. Julia loved "her children" and teachers, as well as her work, as much as anything she had ever done. Her service to to the school system was as much a blessing for her as it was to the educators and children she worked with.
5 years after retiring at the age of 86, she moved to Lucy Corr Assisted Living and eventually Memory Care, where she continued to share her love of life with other residents and caregivers alike. She will be missed by all who knew her.
Julia is survived by her sons, Jack W. Fessler, Jr., with his life partner Sharon Roggenbuck, of Hillsborough, NC, and Alan L. Fessler, of Lexington, TN; stepdaughters and stepson, Carolynn Michel, with husband, Raymond, of Chester, VA, Elizabeth D. Carraciolo, with husband, Michael, of Charlotte, NC, and Mark E. Danford, with wife, Pam, of Chesterfield, VA.; grandchildren, Christopher W. Fessler, Johnathon Fessler, Alan John Fessler, April Dawn Fessler, Marie Anne Fessler, Audra M. Cox, Meredith W Elliott, Megan D. Steinhouser, Cody E. Danford, Ashley J.M. Snowdy, and Lauren Montgomery, with their husbands and families; including 19 great-grandchildren.
A graveside service will be held at City Point National Cemetery in Hopewell, VA, on April 28, 2023, at 11:00 am, officiated by Dr. Gordon Mapes III, Pastor.
In lieu of flowers, please make any desired donations to Chester Presbyterian Church, Chester, VA. Thank you.