Julie Anna Hurlbut Atkins , age 74, of Salem, VA, passed away on August 29, 2023. She was born on March 3, 1949, in Pasadena, California, to the late Julia and Robert Hurlbut. Julie is survived by her two brothers, Ted Hurlbut and Tim Hurlbut, her stepdaughter Emerald Dawn Pickett, and her grandson Daniel Pickett. She was preceded in death by her loving husband Alonzo Atkins and her sister Roberta Colbert.

Julie had a deep love for Jesus and dedicated her life to serving Him. She became an active member of the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul. Julie's passion for music led her to serve as the Music Director.

In addition to her dedication to the church, Julie had a heart for the Anglican Church in Mpwapwa, Tanzania. She traveled to Tanzania multiple times, fostering church growth and supporting the African church.  Her impact was so great, she had her own bedroom in Rev Cannon Anderson Madimillo's home.

Julie Atkins had an impressive career spanning over 40 years. She was a business owner, team manager, and systems analyst. Some of her notable clients included Tridium, Qimonda IT Department, Nexiant, Inc., American Airlines, Clarion Corporation of America, Toshiba America Information Systems, Varco International, Inc., Argent Mortgage Company, Conexant, eMachines, Toshiba Business Machines, Magellan, and California Baptist University.

Julie's educational background included a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Marketing and Finance from Anderson School, University of California, Los Angeles, and a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Education, cum laude, from Oral Roberts University in Tulsa, Oklahoma.  After college, her interests drew her to live in London, England.  This allowed her to travel to many countries in Europe where she enhanced her language skills.  Julie was fluent in English, Polish, Russian, German and Spanish.

A visitation for Julie will be held at the Church of St. Peter and St. Paul 4909 N. Lake Drive, Roanoke, VA 24019, on Thursday evening, September 21, from 6 to 8 p.m. A celebration of her life will take place on September 22nd at 10:00 a.m. at The Church of St. Peter & St. Paul. There will be a reception with refreshments which will be held at the church from 8:30 to 10:00.  Following the service, a procession will proceed to the grave site at Godwin Cemetery, 152 S Church St, Fincastle, VA 24090.

In honor of Julie's life, and in lieu of flowers, we are requesting that a donation be given to the Anglican Church in Tanzania. Please send your donation to St. Peter and St. Paul in care of Father Walter Pierce, 4909 N. Lake Drive, Roanoke, VA 24019.

Julie Anna Atkins will be remembered for her deep love for Jesus, her giving spirit which touched many lives, her dedication to music, and her commitment to the church in Roanoke and the growth of the church in Tanzania. Her legacy will continue to inspire and impact the lives of all those who knew her.