Norfolk – Julia A. Thorogood, also known to some as Miss Freeda, 84, went to be with her heavenly father on Thursday, June 26, 2008 . She was received into God's kingdom with smiles and open arms welcoming his faithful servant.

She was preceded in death by her mother and father, Mr. and Mrs. William and Ailene Thorogood, and two sisters, AnnieBell Wynn and PearlyMae Thorogood.

Julia was a life-long resident of Norfolk , Virginia and a product of the Norfolk Public School System. She worked as an employee of the Chesapeake Public School System until she retired. For many years she was known as the cookie and roll lady for the delicious baked goods she would create.

Julia was a faithful member of Saint Mark United Church of Christ in Norfolk , VA for over 60 years. She served on a number of church committees throughout her lifetime. Activities included leading the sunshine choir, singing in the senior choir, serving on the usher board, serving on the choir union, serving on the helping hands committee, and a member of the kitchen helpers who provided meals to those in need.

Julia's life was always filled with a smile and a spunk that was simply contagious. She enjoyed bowling, baking, and passing time on the front porch talking with friends and family. She even enjoyed beating the grands and great-grands at a game of checkers from time to time. Some of her neighbors joked that she was part of the neighborhood watch group, even though there was not a formal organization in the area. She just knew everybody and everything that was going on.

Because Julia had a love of baking, she desperately wanted to share that with others. She was very happy to teach her youngest granddaughter her homemade yeast roll recipe. She tried to teach it to many others, but only her granddaughter had shared this "one love" with her.

Julia leaves to cherish her memory a daughter, Evelyn M. Edwards (Archie); a sister, Lucy T. DeBerry; five grandchildren, Elizabeth J. Ferrell (Howie), Archie L. Edwards, Jr., Jonathan E. Edwards, Sr., (Karen), Shelby A. Edwards, and Sabrina Y. Jones (Ronald); eleven great grandchildren, Donald Porter, Jr., Clarissa Porter, Clarence Porter, Justin Edwards, Sr. (Tiffon), Candice Helder (Steven), Diamond Edwards, Jonathan Edwards, Jr., Joseph Edwards, Tierra Marshburn, Clarissa Marshburn, Kevin Marshburn, Jr.; one great-great grandchild, Justin Edwards, Jr.; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and life long friends.

Homegoing services will be held on Wednesday, July 2, 2008 at 12 noon , at St. Mark United Church of Christ, 521 Obendorfer Street , Norfolk , VA 23523 , with Rev. Thomas J. Hart officiating. Interment will follow at Roosevelt Memorial Park . Viewing will be held 2pm – 7pm Tuesday at Pretlow and Sons Funeral Home, Chesapeake .