Julia Farmer Lindsey

JULIA EASON FARMER-LINDSEY 

ROCKY MOUNT – Julia Eason Farmer-Lindsey, age 82, was set free from the chains of cancer and was delivered into the loving arms of Jesus on Thursday, January 9, 2025. Julia was born on April 14, 1942, she was the daughter of the late John Stephen Eason, Sr. and Prudy Magnolia Peace Eason. She was also preceded in death by the love of her life, Lawrence Washington “L.W.” Farmer, with whom she shared 56 wonderful years of marriage; her first born child, Tresa Lynn Farmer, who passed away at the tender age of 19; her brothers, John Stephen Eason, Jr. and William Taft Eason; her sisters, Esther Mae Eason and Ellen Estelle Eason Green; and her sister-in-law, Catherine Garris.

Julia was born in Prince George County, VA. One of 10 brothers and sisters, her home was always the gathering place. She will forever be remembered as a beacon of joy, compassion, generosity and kindness. Julia lived a full life and was known for her bright smile and big heart. Many people called her friend; we called her Mama, MeMe, Sister, and Aunt Julia the Great. Mama never had great wealth but gave freely of all she had to make sure no one went without. She taught us early in life that no matter how little we had; we always had enough to share. Her chicken salad, potato salad, and homemade soups have graced many tables in their time of need. Her arms have never been too full to stop and give an encouraging hug. Her legacy will be that she loved everyone well and lived a life filled with joy. Even in her darkest moments; she found the strength through her unwavering faith in God to smile and lift up those around her.

Julia served as a bookkeeper at Dixon’s furniture in Rocky Mount for over 25 years where she developed lifetime friendships with her co-workers and customers. Upon leaving the furniture business she was employed with the Rocky Mount Area Chamber of Commerce as their Vice President of Membership Sales and Retention for 17 years; giving her the opportunity to shine and spread her joy throughout Nash and Edgecombe Counties and the State of NC. After retiring from the Chamber of Commerce, Julia enjoyed two Christmas Seasons greeting customers as Mrs. Claus at Bailey’s Fine Jewelry where she welcomed customers with her bright smile and restorative hugs. When asked about her work history, she shared many fond memories but would tell everyone that her friend, Bill Lehnes, gave her the best gift of all when he gave her the joy of serving as a Chick-fil-A Chick for the past 12 years.

Julia was honored as the first female President of the Rocky Mount Lions Club. She also held multiple positions in the Women’s Professional Networking Group of Rocky Mount, where she took pride in helping raise funds for women’s heart health. As a longtime member of Parkwood Baptist Church, she was well known for her servant’s heart and spent many hours in the kitchen preparing for homecomings, chicken cooks, funeral and shower ministries. She taught lots of young people how to cook and shared her nuggets of wisdom and her unshakeable faith in God with everyone that served with her. She enjoyed organizing blood drives, charity auctions and golf tournaments to help raise money for a variety of needs in the community. 

Many will remember the sassy lady with the feathers in her hair, her comforting hugs and cheerful disposition. We can only imagine what her Halo Fascinator looks like in Heaven.

Julia is survived by her husband of nine years, William Monroe Lindsey; her devoted daughters, Bonnie Farmer Winstead (Todd) and Tracy Farmer Shearin (Keith); her cherished granddaughter, the light of her life, Tresa Barnhill Barbour (Jason); her brother, Earnest Eason (Sharon), her sisters, Mary Alice Maier, Ann Hayes, Brenda Brewer (Peaches), and Leona Pridgen; her sister-in-law, Theresa Eason; her heart sister, Annie Bartholomew; her bonus children, Aubrey Farmer (Kathy), Mike Farmer (Cathy), Susie Coggins (Don), and Bill Lindsey (Lisa), their children that lovingly called her MeMe J; and a wealth of treasured nieces and nephews that loved her dearly.

A Funeral Service to celebrate Julia’s life will be held on Tuesday, January 14, 2025, at 1:00 PM at Parkwood Baptist Church, 1731 Hunter Hill Road, Rocky Mount, NC 27804, with Pastors John Scott, Marshal Pridgen, Jr. (Markie), and Michael Farmer (nephew) officiating. A private graveside service will follow the service. The family will receive friends and relatives on Monday, January 13, 2025, from 5:00 PM to 7:00 PM at Parkwood Baptist Church.

The family would like to say a special thank you to our wonderful friends and family that showered Mama with so much love over the past few weeks, especially our amazing cousin, Mary Ann Parks, for being our rock and helping take care of our precious Mama. To the Rex Hospital doctors, nurses, and staff who helped us in our understanding of Mama’s health and for the professional advice that gave us back time to cherish and love on our Mama at our family home. To the Nash Hospice Care Team for their unwavering support during this difficult transition. We will forever be grateful for the amazing way Bill Lehnes, Lana Wells, and the staff at Chick-fil-A have taken such good care of us during the past month as we lovingly cared for Mama. And most of all, to our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ for comforting us in our greatest hour of need.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be made in Julia’s memory to Parkwood Baptist Church, 1731 Hunter Hill Road, Rocky Mount, NC 27804, to help build a new children’s playground “MeMe’s Angel Garden”. The original playground was built in memory of her daughter, Tresa, in 1979.

Arrangements entrusted to Wheeler & Woodlief Funeral Home & Cremation Services, 1130 N. Winstead Avenue, Rocky Mount, NC 27804. You may share memories and condolences with the family by visiting www.wheelerwoodlief.com.