Julia Mae Grooms of Louisa Virginia, passed away on Monday, February 7, 2011 at the University of Virginia Hospital. She was born on January 27, 1947 in Louisa Virginia. She was preceded in death by her mother, Sylvia Burgess and her father Joseph Burgess; a daughter, Darlene E. Grooms; a brother, Carl Burgess and a nephew, Herbert Burgess Jr.

She attended Louisa County Public Schools. She was a woman of great physical strength and endurance and would often times be found outdoors chopping wood or gardening. She could hold her own against those twice her size. She had a zest for life and she didn't mind speaking her mind or expressing her opinion even if it was unpopular. She loved being with family and friends, laughing and telling her jokes.

She leaves to cherish her memory, a devoted friend, Clifton E. White of Louisa, VA; two brothers, Herbert Burgess of Louisa and Joseph Burgess of New Jersey; three sisters, Mattie Erkard of New Jersey, Linda and Fannie Bishop of Louisa; two sons, William S. and Anthony B. Grooms of Louisa; three daughters, Theresa Burgess and Fannie Grooms of Charlottesville and Carolyn Grooms of Fluvanna; seven grandsons, Roger Burgess of Charlottesville, Quentin Grooms of Charlottesville , James Grooms of Louisa, Brandon Grooms of Charlottesville, Quentin L. Burgess of Fluvanna, Diquan Grooms of Charlottesville and Natrell Grooms of Louisa; four granddaughters, Sanitha Grooms of Charlottesville, Tawanda Burruss of Lousia, Brittany Burgess and Alison Johnson of Charlottesville; six great grandsons, two great granddaughters and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends. She will be missed by many but her smile will be remembered by all.

Funeral services will be held 1 p.m. Saturday, February 12, 2011 at Thomasson Watson Funeral Chapel with the Rev. Dr. Earl Pendleton officiating. Interment will follow in the Ragland family cemetery.