Julia Deathridge

Julia Deathridge, 85, of Knoxville, TN departed this life, September 6, 2025, peacefully at home.

She attended high school in Auburn, Alabama.

Julia was the first African American to open up a state registered childcare center in the state of Tennessee. She served so many families though out the community. Julia was known to many as “Nanny.” She was a very loving and caring wife, mother, and grandmother. She was a faithful member of Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church where she served on the Deaconess board and the pastor’s aide committee.  

She is [receded in death by husband, Donald Deathridge; daughter, Donna Deathridge; mother, Katie Bell Cooks, father, William Matthews; siblings, Collins Matthews, John Henry Estella, Vivian, Larry, KD Matthews, Alonzo Jones and best friend Ora Jean Chandler.

She leaves to cherish her memories loving daughter, Greta Warren; grandchildren, DeMarcus (Nisha) Andrews Sr., Doneshia Lundy, Eric Sackett Jr. and James Price Jr.; great grandchildren, Saniya, Kena’d, Abraham (Kaniya) Dudley Jr., Peyton, Kennedy, Cameron, and Skyler Sackett, great-great grandchildren, Jakai, Jordy and Jamir Dudley; nieces, Teresa and Sandra; favorite nieces, Shirley Pitts and Deborah North; nephews, Dennis and Gregory (Lisa) Jones; cousin, Shirley Ann Richardson; special friends, James Price Sr., Donald Lundy, and Bernice Phillips; and a host of other family and friends.

Family will receive friends Saturday September 13, 2025 from 11 to 12pm at Tabernacle Missionary Baptist Church, 2137 Martin Luther King Jr Ave, Knoxville, TN 37915, with funeral services to follow. Rev. Vincent M. Jones Jr. officiating. Interment at Highland Memorial Cemetery. Final arrangements entrusted to Jarnigan & Son Mortuary. www.jarniganandson.com