Julia Chavez

Julia Chavez was born to Urbano and Esther B. Chavez in Bakersfield, California on September 13, 1946. Her sons, Aaron and Chris were affectionately her “boys” and she raised them to be men of God and they are. She loved daughter-in-laws, April and Rebecca who were always there for her. Granddaughters Alexandra, Airis, and Abby were the sweetest part of her life and she deeply loved them without surrender. She now along with many family members and other saints wait for the siblings she leaves behind, Jeannie and Herb, their spouses Ned and Lupe, and many nieces and nephews, other relatives, sisters and brothers in the Lord and friends. Julia embodied Christ and prayed her entire family would live and reflect Jesus’ holy presence, character, blessings, and guidance.

She lived almost her entire life in Shafter, California where the nucleolus of her family was and it was a good place. A place of strong foundation where her mother raised her to live a faithful and committed life unto Jesus Christ---she would say, “My Shelter and Hightower in whom I trust.”

May 21, 2026 on a Thursday afternoon at 12:45 Jesus met Julia " by the river,” a special place to Julie and where she told Aaron she could be found. Her grandfather, mother, and siblings, Larry, Rita, and Andrew were there to receive her into the very presence of God her Heavenly Father. Many other loved ones were there to embrace her into what God has prepared for those who love Him.

Before joining Valley Baptist Church, she served the Lord, church family, and many others at Primera Iglesia Bautista, (First Baptist Church in Shafter) which her grandfather, Augustine Beltran established with other faithful men and women of God. She was not only honored to come from a long line of Christian heritage but was very aware that she was passing the baton to the next generation. The purpose was always to preach the Gospel and many of us here today are the fruit of their labor and God’s promises to his children. Julia served her entire life under many Pastors: Campos, Castillo, Moreno, Vaca and they were known to say, “Julie’s my righthand man.” She led Women’s Ministries and Bible Studies, Children’s Sunday School, Christian Education and Discipleship Classes, Baptisms, Prayer Meetings, Missions, Finances, and served as a Deaconess generously saying, “we wear many hats.” She was often asked to speak at Women’s Retreats, Church functions and events, and always led our Christian family “programs,” thanksgivings and prayer during the holidays, reunions, or anytime we gathered. She was a prayer warrior and gladly bore the burdens of hurting people, some she never personally knew, but that did not matter. She spiritually carried many.

In her professional life she continued to live out a selfless way of living as she helped children, parents, migrant families, teachers, and other educators at Richland School District where she was a secretary as well as holding other positions retiring after 30 years. Julia was a strong advocate for the underprivileged, undereducated, and underserved. She never hesitated to help those in need and was always actively involved in the Shafter Migrant Camp Ministries, community events, and many other missions throughout her life.

As you have heard witness today of how Julia believed our faith should shape every aspect of our lives also recognizing that government, albeit important, is not the answer. She quoted, “We are the salt and light of this world and we must advance the Kingdom of God.” Her patriotism was a direct result of her love for God, family, church, community, her country, and the world. She cared profoundly about the souls of this age and the next and her hope was living in Jesus and to the Glory of God. This is her legacy…”Well done, thou good and faithful servant.” 

Graveside services will be at Shafter Memorial Park on Friday June 12, 2026 starting at 10 a.m a celebration of life will follow the grave at Valley Baptist Church 4800 Fruitvale Ave, Bakersfield, CA 93308 starting at 12 p.m.

Reception to follow the services.