Obituaries

Julia Matthews Talbert, “Judy,” 89, of Newport News, Virginia, passed away peacefully on September 30, 2025. Born in Newport News on November 5, 1935, she was the daughter of Estelle Louise Matthews and Lloyd E. Matthews. Raised in Hilton Village, Judy was a longtime resident of the area and met her loving husband, John H. Talbert, of 68 years, at the Village Theater. Their love story was one of close companionship. They were partners in every sense of the word – in love, in faith, in family, and in life’s quiet moments. Their beautiful love story serves as a shining example to their family. A cherished wife, mother, grandmother, sister, mother-in-law, and friend, Judy’s presence will be deeply missed.

As a homemaker, Judy dedicated her life to creating a warm, faith-centered, and nurturing home for her husband, John, and their five children. She taught us to laugh, love, and forgive. Her family cherished time around the dinner table, where home-cooked meals were shared and memories were made, whether it was Easter, Christmas, or just an ordinary Tuesday. Judy’s unwavering faith guided her life and her approach to marriage and motherhood.

With a passion for gardening, Judy’s yard was a testament to her green thumb, a vibrant sanctuary of plants and flowers. She was a member of several garden clubs throughout her life. Judy also loved birds and frogs – all of God’s “creatures” as she would often say. Judy was a talented seamstress and a lover of all crafts. Her children and grandchildren benefited from her sewing skills, and over the years, she lovingly made clothing, a wedding gown, bridesmaid dresses, curtains, quilts, blankets, and stuffed animals. Many custom-made, creative Halloween costumes will be forever cherished.

Judy was a lifelong Methodist, joining the cradle roll at Hilton United Methodist Church (now First United Methodist Church) in 1936. She was a devoted church member, and she served as a Sunday School Teacher, Lay Leader, Evangelism, Missions, Administrative Board, Church Council, Staff Parish Relations, and Nominations. Judy served as the church wedding coordinator for more than 30 years. A dedicated member of the United Methodist Women, she was President, Secretary, Spiritual Growth, Nominations, and Fashion Show Coordinator, and used her talents to create hundreds of custom table decorations for the group’s events over the years.

Judy was an active community volunteer. She shared her time and talents through the Puppet Ministry, tutored students at local elementary schools, raised funds for Relay for Life, and served in Port and Food outreach programs. Judy led by example and instilled her strong values and faith in her family and friends. Her loving spirit and beautiful smile brought joy to everyone who had the privilege of knowing her.

Judy is survived by her loving husband, John and her five children, Susan Talbert Evans (Larry); Steve Talbert (Rosemarie), Becky Talbert Graham (Ted), Tricia Talbert Ellen (Andy) and Mike Talbert (Kim); her brother, George Fenn Matthews; and grandchildren, Jack Evans, Rebecca Evans Weinstein (Joshua), Veronica Talbert, Lucas Talbert, Nathan Graham, Walton Graham, Julia Ellen, Jenna Ellen, Kelsey Talbert, Gavin Talbert and Olivia Talbert. Judy was preceded in death by her parents and three brothers, Thomas Bledsoe Matthews, Lloyd Neff Matthews, and James Clifton Matthews.

A Celebration of Judy’s Life will be held at First United Methodist Church, in Hilton Village, 10246 Warwick Boulevard, Newport News, on Friday, October 10, 2025, at 11:00 a.m., with a reception to follow at the church.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made in Judy’s memory to the VBH Foundation for the Chesapeake Benevolent Fund – VBH Foundation, 3961 Stillman Parkway, Glen Allen, VA 23060, or via their website at www.lifespireliving.org/vbh-foundation.

Arrangements are under the care of Peninsula Funeral Home, 11144 Warwick Blvd., Newport News, Virginia 23601.