WILMINGTON — Julia Paschall Gower, 76, entered into rest Saturday, March 11, 2017, at her home after an extended illness. She was born Feb. 1, 1941, in Durham County. She was the daughter of the late Pent Paul and Mary Stansbury Paschall.
She is survived by her loving and devoted husband of 57 years, James Butler Gower; and three children, Bryan Keith Gower, Kerry Allen Gower, and his wife, Kristin, both of Wilmington, N.C., and Keena Gower Howell, and her husband, Bret, of Aiken, S.C. She is also survived by her brother, retired U.S. Navy Commander William D. Paschall and his family of Wilmington, N.C.; and brother-in-law, Royce W. Gower, and his wife, Geraldine, and family of Victoria, Texas. Julia has many grandchildren whom she loved dearly. Bryan Keith Gower Jr., and his wife, Lindsay, James Cory Gower, and his wife, Meagan, Peyten Diane Gower, David Jeremy Epps, Kenneth Mitchell Gower, Jason Allen Gower, Brittany Rose Howell Rowell, and her husband, Christopher, and Bret Alan Howell Jr. She also has six great-grandchildren.
She was a member of Harbor United Methodist Church in Wilmington. Julia’s smile, with her huge dimples, would light up a room. She was instantly loved by all who met her, as she had a way of making you feel at ease. She always had a kind word of encouragement or compliment for all and brought out the best in everyone.
Julia was a graduate of New Hanover High School, Class of 1959. She worked for the New Hanover County School District as a teacher’s assistant for 20 years, primarily at Mary C. Williams Elementary School. She had a great love for children and all of her students.
A funeral service will be held at 1 p.m. Wednesday, March 15, at Harbor United Methodist Church, 4853 Masonboro Loop Road, Wilmington. Prior to the service, the family will receive friends from noon to the service hour with Pastor Russ Nanney officiating. Pallbearers will be Tommy Capps, Jim Grice, Steve King, Dan Davis, Ed Chilcote and Bill Kelly. Interment will follow in Greenlawn Memorial Park, Wilmington.
In lieu of flowers, donations in her memory may be made to Harbor United Methodist Church.