Atkins (Forkey), Julia Jane 70, formerly of Charlotte NC, died Saturday, May 29, 2021, at Lyngblom-sten Care Center in St. Paul, MN. Her family will celebrate her life privately at a later date. Julia was born Sept 12, 1950, in Jamestown, ND to William and Anna Jane Forkey. In her youth, Julia and her family lived in several places including Fargo, ND, Montevideo, MN, and Mankato, MN where she graduated from Mankato West High school in 1968. After high school, she attended Mankato State College where she earned a dental assistant degree. From there she moved to the Twin Cities to live and work for over 20 years. Her jobs included being a surgical dental assistant at the University of MN. Dental School in Minneapolis, and after completing barber school, working as a hairstylist at the former Shea's Salon in Roseville. Julia married Paul Atkins in 1985 and eventually they moved to Charlotte, NC, where she worked at the grocery chain, Harris Teeter until retirement 8 years ago. Julia was a hard worker with a warm heart, and will be remembered as a loyal caregiver to her husband Paul who died from complications of MS, and later to her parents in the last years of their lives. Throughout the years, Julia spent many a Christmas Eve with the entire Forkey side, surrounded by good food, laughter, and love. She was proud to watch her nieces and nephew grow into fine young adults. Photography, art, cats, and relaxing on Florida's Gulf Coast also brought joy to her life. Julia's adventures included living and working a year in Australia in her twenties, and visiting Ireland to explore her ancestry in retirement. A special thanks to her care team at Lyngblomsten, and Health Partners Hospice for the wonderful comfort, care, and support given to her. Julia was preceded in death by her parents William and Anna Jane Forkey, husband Paul Atkins, and brother, Kent Forkey. She is survived by her brothers Brian and Mike Forkey, sister Alice Shea, sisters-in-law Deborah Forkey and Patty Mensing, nieces and nephew Lauren Shea, Caelin and Ian Forkey, along with cousins, other relatives, and friends.

Published on June 13, 2021