Julia Shank Dawson turns 100, as family and friends celebrate her unstoppable spirit and compassionate life
By Robb Helfrick
Julia Shank Dawson is a remarkable woman. Family and friends celebrated her unique life on July 9, the day Julia turned 100. They gathered at the Waynesboro Country Club for a joyous party, sharing stories and giving thanks for Julia’s extraordinary century of accomplishments.
Julia selected the venue, so she had time to plan and invite guests. Her nephew, Sam Shank, traveled with his family from Texas to serve as the host. A former work comrade, Mary Deatherage, arrived from Florida, while Julia’s Waynesboro friend, Dudley Keller, served as the event’s Emcee and party planner.
At 11 am, Julia greeted guests at the door, wearing a floral dress draped with a golden sash that read- 100 & Fabulous. The party then moved into a private dining room where a luncheon for “an unstoppable spirit” commenced.
Julia Shank was born on July 9, 1926. After growing up in Waynesboro, she graduated from the local high school in 1944. A teenage description of Julia, printed in her senior yearbook, accurately described the life that lay ahead for Miss Shank:
A career we will predict for Judy
She’s tops in business, honest truly
On the go every minute-
Name any activity, Judy’s in it.
As party guests paid homage to Julia on her 100th birthday, they realized that the yearbook prediction had come true. Yet, not even Julia could have envisioned how her life would be shaped by tragedy and loss, and then be transformed by faith and compassion.
As the party began, the sprightly Miss Dawson stood to thank the assembled guests and to share a few stories. She recalled the year she turned sixteen, when America had entered World War II. But her focus in 1942 was securing her driver’s license so she could explore the Pennsylvania countryside.
That summer, Julia drove a bakery truck, calling herself a “Jill of All Trades.” On her route was Fort Ritchie, which, unknown to her at the time, was the headquarters of a secret military intelligence operation that employed the famous “Ritchie Boys.”
Julia grew up and married Chet Dawson, a handsome athlete whom she described as a “wonderful husband and father.” They had three children together, but their kids’ short lives proved to be one of the greatest challenges of Julia’s life.
On her 100th anniversary, as Julia said a blessing to open the ceremony, she described how she persevered through the loss of those three children, who all died at young ages from cystic fibrosis. “I am so grateful that the Lord has always been in my life, and we thank you for all the blessings. Despite tragedy, I’ve never forgotten my three beautiful children and my husband, Chet. I’m thankful for the time that I had with them.”
Shortly after her last child passed away, Chet developed a brain tumor, and he died, leaving Julia Dawson alone at age 65.
Julia faced a crossroads in her life. She visited the Chaplain who had given Chet comfort during his final days. Julia told him she felt a calling from God, and she wanted to help other parents deal with the loss of their children. Was she too old to enter the seminary to become a minister? The Chaplain encouraged Julia to follow her dream.
The first contact Julia encountered at Drew Theological Seminary stated she was indeed too old to pursue the ministry. But Julia persisted and found someone else who allowed her to enroll. Five years later, she earned a Master of Divinity and became an Associate Pastor at a New Jersey church.
What followed was a new career that spanned nearly a quarter-century. Julia later became a Chaplain at St. Joseph’s University Medical Center in Paterson, New Jersey. While there, she ministered to seriously ill children in a pediatric unit.
During her stint at St. Joseph’s, Dawson wrote a book for her Doctoral thesis titled “Hope and Healing.” This publication featured prayers she had written to help mothers and fathers heal from loss, and to inspire the doctors and nurses who treated sick children. Combined with writings from other philosophers and inspirational photographs, the book was subtitled a “spiritual treasury for parents.”
Always pushing herself to improve, Julia completed a Doctor of Divinity at age 82. The only thing that could stop Dawson’s impressive career was a pandemic. She retired in 2020 during the COVID-19 crisis at age 94. Julia then returned to Waynesboro and the familiar landscape of her childhood.
The Chaplain, who first encouraged Julia to follow her calling 35 years ago, attended the 100th birthday party at the country club. His name is Ed Clydesdale, and he still serves as a Reverend in New Jersey. Clydesdale recalled the remarkable last third of Julia’s life.
“I remember when Julia came to me, and she said, I’m either going to die a mean and bitter old lady because I’ve lost so much, or I’m going to let God use me and my experience to help others.” Clydesdale urged Julia forward.
Looking back on that decision, Rev. Clydesdale praised the life that Julia has led since he met her. “I don’t know anyone who’s gone through so much hardship and heartbreak and yet found the strength to turn the last 35 years of her life into a blessing for so many people.”
Julia’s friend, Mary Deatherage, also paid a touching tribute by singing the tune “Maria (The Nuns)” from The Sound of Music, substituting Julia’s name. Mary was also instrumental in Julia’s career, helping her secure the Chaplain’s position at St. Joseph’s.
Julia was touched by the love and support from her two mentors, who traveled great distances to wish her well. “I’m very thankful to Ed and to Mary and all of you who helped me in so many different ways,” Julia said. “I can’t thank you enough for what you’ve done to make my life worthwhile.”
Julia’s family and friends were equally grateful while they honored Miss Dawson. Nephew Sam Shank spoke with smiling admiration, saying, “My Aunt has overcome so much in her life but has kept moving forward with a positive attitude.” Sam presented Julia with a custom-made book that honored her accomplishments over 100 years.
Sam recalled how Julia’s one son died at age 12, followed by her daughter’s long illness and demise, then Chet’s untimely death. “I thought, my God, what else will this lady suffer through? But she just kept going.”
Sam thanked Dudley Keller for helping organize the party, which featured beautiful flower arrangements and unique decorative items. Hand fans with a smiling picture of Julia were found at each place setting, along with playful 100-themed eyeglasses. A memory table contained old hand-colored pictures of Julia as a child, her wedding portrait, and photographs of Chet and her children.
Earlier in the program, Keller read a book profile that listed the ingrained traits of people born on July 9. She described them as having the “unusual power to dream dreams and the practical ability to see them through.” July 9-born individuals wanted to understand the process of life and creation to the fullest. They were fascinated by nature’s mysteries and were typically lively people who got involved in events.
Women born on July 9th were highly independent, Keller said, and didn’t hesitate to take over responsibilities after the death of a spouse. The crowd nodded in approval as the book’s description captured the essence of Julia Dawson.
Jan Spoerl drove from New Jersey for the event, calling herself Dawson’s unofficial adopted daughter. The two have enjoyed a 40-year friendship, and Jan organized Julia’s 95th birthday party. “Julia is an amazing person; she’s done wonderful things,” Jan said. “Her compassion stands out, and she’s the most faithful person I’ve ever known.”
“It’s been a special day,” Julia said as the party came to a close. Before the festivities commenced, Julia had shown her enduring support for people who face serious daily challenges. Julia asked for no gifts, but a contribution to the Central Pennsylvania Food Bank (centralpafoodbank.org) could be made in her honor.
When Julia spoke of her faith and her life’s mission at the party, she put others’ needs ahead of her own. “I think of those who don’t have food, who don’t have shelter. Hundreds of thousands of people who don’t have the necessities of life.” Julia said it broke her heart when people, especially children, couldn’t count on basic human essentials. “If we all shared,” Julia said, “there would be enough for every single person.”
Those sentiments were spoken by a woman whose heart could have been broken many times in life. But Julia Shank Dawson showed tremendous courage and strength, turning personal tragedies into a mission of compassion and support. “I’ve always liked people and wanted to do something to help our society,” Julia said on her 100th birthday. This amazing woman has accomplished that goal, and so much more, during her extraordinary life.
