Julia Williams Bentley

Julia Francesetta Wiliams was born December 8,1928 in San Pablo, Florida to Ethel Jefferson (Salley-Williams) and George “Papa” Williams. She received her education at St. Pius V. Catholic Church School. In Jacksonville, FL. She married Lloyd Herbert Howard on March 8, 1946 and from that union three children were born: Gail E. Howard, Tony Abdul Sharif Howard and Linda Mariea Johnson. She later married Mr. Frederick Bentley May 22, 1975. Julia was a longtime member of St. Pius V .Catholic Church and later attended Church of the
Crucifixion. She was an active member serving on various committees and was also active in the Ladies Auxiliary of the Knights of Peter Claver. Julia worked very hard in the janitorial business and made many sacrifices providing for her family. She was the first African American woman to manage the maintenance of the former City Hall
(Annex) building in Jacksonville, Florida. She later co-owned and operated a successful business, B&K Janitorial Services, Inc. She was featured in the 1990-91 edition of the Minority Business Directory. After retiring she devoted more time to her home and hobbies of entertaining and gardening. She was a member of the Marechal Neil Rose Garden Club, a 100 yr. African American Garden Club and the Carver International Association. She and her late husband, Mr. Fred Bentley enjoyed hosting many social events in their lovely home.
She passed away peacefully in her sleep on June 30, 2020 at George and Margaret Morris Center for Caring (Community Hospice) . She is preceded in death by her mother Mrs. Ether Jefferson (July 10, 1987), husband Mr. Fred Bentley (February 14, 1990), son Tony Abdul Sharif Howard (August 14, 1998), daughter Linda Mareiea Johnson (December 13, 2003) and cousins Millie. M. Coppins and Sallie Johnson. She is survived by her daughter Gail E. Howard, grandchildren: Patrick Franklin, Michael Franklin,
Marlana Franklin, Wendell Weaver, David Jones, Tony Howard, Anthony Howard, Jameelah Rogers, Nafeesa Howard, Aiesha Sharif, Frank “Kevin” Johnson and Belinda Patterson, cousins
Anna Marie Johnson (Fred) and Douglas Mays, many great grandchildren, Fannie V. Bellamy a dear childhood friend and a host of other relatives and friends.