Julia Thompson

On Saturday, June 14, 2025, Julia A. (Reeder) Thompson, 84, of Greencastle, PA, slipped peacefully into eternal rest, in her daughter’s home, where she had lived since 2021. Her gentle spirit and radiant kindness left an indelible mark on everyone who knew her.

Born on December 26, 1940, in Mexico, Missouri, Julia was the cherished eldest of six children born to the late Roger E. and Rosemary (Candy) Reeder.

Her warm heart and curious mind led her to St. Joseph’s Women’s College in Cincinnati, Ohio, where she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in History. She later pursued a Master’s Degree in Education, pouring her passion into teaching elementary students in Prince George’s County for 29 years. Julia’s classroom was a place of joy, where her love for learning inspired countless young hearts.

A woman of deep Catholic faith, Julia found solace and strength in her spiritual life. She was a member of St. Mary’s Catholic Church of Piscataway in Clinton Md, before moving to Greencastle, and her faith remained a guiding light throughout her life.

Julia’s hands were always busy creating beauty. A gifted seamstress, she wove love into every stitch, crafting treasures for her family and friends. A passionate reader and history enthusiast, Julia could often be found lost in a book, her mind traveling through time. Yet, her greatest joy came from simple moments—sharing meals and laughter with her daughter, LeeAnne, and her daughter’s friends, her vibrant spirit lighting up every gathering.

To her daughter, LeeAnne Downey of Greencastle, and LeeAnne’s companion, John “Justin” DeShong of Ft. Loudon, PA, Julia was a devoted mother and steadfast friend. Her love extended to her two grandchildren, Anthony “Tony” Lee Downey (Kristyn) and Ryan Alexander Downey (Summer), and her three great-grandchildren, Kaylee, Makinzee, and Mason, with a fourth great-grandchild expected in January. Her five siblings—Kathy Shaw, Jeannette Zinser, Mary White (Ralph), John Gerald Reeder (Carol), and Candy Fonke (Don Clapsaddle)—along with many nieces and nephews, will carry her memory forward. Julia was comforted by the tender care of her dedicated caregivers, Linda Moseman, Euline King, Jill Hess, Shannon Haldeman and Carol DeShong whose kindness she cherished.

Julia was reunited in eternity with her beloved husband, Douglas H. Thompson, who passed in 2021, and her parents, Roger and Rosemary Reeder. Her legacy of love, generosity, and grace will live on in the hearts of all who knew her.

A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 11:00 A.M. on Tuesday, June 24, 2025, at St. Andrew Catholic Church, 12 N. Broad St., Waynesboro, PA, with Rev. Fr. Augusty Valomchalil officiating. Burial will follow in St. Andrew Catholic Cemetery, Waynesboro. 

In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in Julia’s name may be made to Residential Health and Hospice, 100 Sterling Pkwy Ste 110, Mechanicsburg, PA 17050. 

Miller-Bowersox Funeral Home, Greencastle, PA, is handling the arrangements.

To share memories and condolences, please visit www.bowersoxfuneralhomes.com.

Julia’s life was a tapestry of love, woven with kindness, faith, and joy. She will be forever missed and forever remembered.