Julia Lorraine Avent Murchison, the only daughter of the late Jesse and Marion Avent, was born in Washington, D.C. Her brother, Melvin Avent, also preceded her in death.
Julia attended D.C. public schools and graduated from Cardozo High School. She attended Portland State University, in Portland, Ore., and obtained a bachelor’s degree from Howard University. Julia married Larry Murchison Sr., who she met while attending Howard University and, after establishing their home in Washington, D.C., they had a son, Larry Jr. Julia’s husband Larry Sr., preceded her in death.
After 36 years of service in the federal government, Julia retired from the Human Resource Division, U.S. Department of Agriculture (USDA). She later worked part time in retail at Bloomingdale’s and Lord and Taylor. She also worked at Northrop Grumman and Lockheed Martin until her health began to decline.
A curious, adventurous and gregarious person by nature, Julia had a variety of interests. She was an avid reader who kept abreast of current events. She had a passion for politics and could spend hours discussing politics and her opinions.
She loved President Obama and referred to him as her son. Her hobbies included playing the piano, collecting dolls, crocheting, interior decorating, going to concerts and the theatre, and shopping. Her favorite store was Nordstrom. In addition to Julia’s local travels, her curiosity and love of travel took her to Canada, South Africa, Brazil, the Caribbean, London, Rome, and Paris. She adored her African grey parrot, Darling, and spent hours talking to her and playing the piano for her. Julia loved and was loved by her neighbors. She spent time gardening and sitting outside laughing and chatting with them.
Julia’s love of fashion and her keen sense of style and creativity were reflected in her attire. She enjoyed wearing the latest fashion and could work magic with head wraps. Always well-dressed and elegant, she truly had an eye for fashion.
Julia was a true believer in God. Having accepted Christ as her Savior at an early age, she joined Peoples Congregational Church as a youngster. Mr. Avent, Julia’s father, was an usher. Mrs. Avent, Julia’s mother, was an ordained deacon and was active in several ministries at Peoples Congregational. Both her parents were legends at Peoples’ Congregational. Julia and her mother were inseparable. Whenever you saw one of them, you saw the other. By involving Julia in all her church service, Mrs. Avent groomed Julia to serve her church and to be a deacon. It is not at all surprising that Julia, like her mother, was a devoted and dedicated member. While in high school, Julia served as secretary to former pastor, Rev. Elmes, during the summer.
Julia’s love of God, her family and Peoples Church were the most important aspects of her life. She was a dedicated and active member who worked tirelessly toward the church’s goals and mission as well as her own growth and development in the Christian life She accepted tasks given to her without hesitation and often volunteered for others. She was a Senior Deacon, and a member of the Music Aid Circle, the Food Pantry, the October, November, December Birth Month Club , the Ralph Green Book Club, the Women’s
Fellowship and the Fellowship Committee. Julia leaves to cherish her memories her beloved son, Larry Jr.; grandson, I-Ryn; great grandsons, I-Ryn and Ian Fleming; cousins, two sisters-in-law, four brothers-in-law, a host of nieces and nephews, her church family and many, many friends.