Julia D. Widlacki, 83, of Mathews County, Virginia, went to be with her Lord and Savior on Saturday, Dec. 17, 2022, at Riverside Convalescent Center-Mathews. Mrs. Widlacki was the second oldest walking quadriplegic in the nation. She was preceded in death by the father of her children, Donald Widlacki, and grandson, Valen Widlacki.

Julia was the most loving, forgiving, kind, inspirational and encouraging mother. She loved her family and put God at the forefront of her day. She enjoyed being around animals, especially horses and dogs. Julia was a skilled horse trainer and taught her horse to count, kneel, rear on command, and rode him to school. She started a “Zoo” at her home and the newspaper wrote an article about it; she was known in the local community as the “Animal Lady” and the “Miracle Woman.” She started the AKC process for American Eskimo Spitz. Julia was a professional dancer on live TV and was once asked to be a dancer for Harry Belafonte. Mrs. Widlacki had a love for flying as well and had her private pilot’s license at the age of 18. She also authored the book “Rainbows After the Storms of Life,” available on Amazon.

She is survived by her sons, Donald Widlacki Jr., Timothy W. Widlacki, and Guy Widlacki; daughters, Donna M. Hepner and Susan A. Bane; brothers, Clyde Childress Jr., David Childress, and Gary Childress; sisters, Connie Hudson and Sherry Herndon; 14 grandchildren, and 17 great-grandchildren.

There will be a Celebration of Life Memorial on Sunday, Jan. 8, 2023, at 3 p.m. at West Park Church of Christ, 926 Cherokee Road, Portsmouth, Va. 23701. Those wishing to send flowers, please have them delivered to the church.
Faulkner Funeral Home, Foster-Faulkner Chapel, Mathews, is assisting the family.