Julia Orean Dew-Matthews was born on December 10, 1925 to

the late Mattie Dew and Joseph Dew in Elm City, North Carolina.

As a young child she was under the care and guidance of her

grandmother, who was a former slave. As an adult, Julia relocated

to Baltimore, Maryland. She was employed at Bugle Laundry.

There she met and married the love of her life John Leonard

Matthews, Sr. (Yolk). From this union eight children were born.

During her formative years of her children Julia remained devoted

and a loving homemaker, making education and religion a priority.

Once her children were of age and pursued their lives

independently, she began to embark on her own journey.

In 1955, Julia converted to Catholicism. She was a devoted

member at St. Frances Xavier Catholic Church. She was an active

member of Sodality of Blessed Virgin Mary, Martin De Porres

Society, The Catholic Daughters of Americas and the Knights of

St. Peter Claver at St. Edwards.

Julia was a community activist. She was a strong advocate for

fighting for social justice and equality within her community. Julia

was the president of Douglass Homes Tenant Council. She

incorporated the “Say No to Drugs” campaign in the Douglass

Home Community. She was widely known as “The Mayor of East

Baltimore” and the 19th member of the city council. Julia was very

vocal and instrumental in participating in city council proceedings.

She was known in City Hall as a fighter and lobbied for jobs and

community programs. She was also on the Board of Directors for

the Dawson Center. Julia served thirty-two years on the School

Board for St. James and John, St. Katherine and St. Wenceslas

Catholic Schools and was a founding member of the B.U.I.L.D

Organization.

Among her hobbies, Julia enjoyed traveling. She traveled to many

parts of the world. Julia was a social butterfly. She enjoyed talking

on the phone for hours and she had a memory compatible to

google. Family time was very precious to her and Julia enjoyed

social gatherings.

Julia is proceeded in death by her husband, John Leonard

Matthews, Sr.; children,Greta Coleman and Marvin Matthews, Sr.;

grandson, Jeryl Singletary, Jr.; great grandson, Tevin Williams;

son in-laws. Arthur Williams and Gary Coleman, Sr.; sister, Maggie

Walston and brother John Dew, Sr.

Julia leaves to cherish her memories her children, Theodore Dew,

Patricia Williams, Wanda (Larry) Williams, John Matthew-Bey,

Theresa (Michael) Butler, Damon (Harriet) Matthews-Bey, Cecilia

(Tommy) Cozart; daughter in-law, Angela Matthews;

grandchildren, Monique Williams, Terry Dew, Gary Coleman, Jr.,

Shanita (Dwayne) Davis, Marvin Matthews, Jr.; Yulon Dew,

Theodore Dew, Jessica (Wendell) Williams, Raphael Dew, Kendra

Bumbray; Patricia Dew, Adia Matthews; Quinn Butler and Morgan

Butler; brother, Joseph Dew, Jr.; brother in-law, Levi Walston, Sr.;

27 great grandchildren, 3 great great grandchildren, a host of

nieces, nephews, cousins, godchildren, Carlita Lindsey and a host

of devoted friends.

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