Julia Norton Fegley - Obituary

ulia Norton Fegley, 94, of Annapolis, Maryland, passed away peacefully on May 26, 2025, at Anne Arundel Medical Center. A woman of deep faith, unwavering commitment to community, and boundless love for her family, Julia leaves behind a legacy of service, kindness, and love. She will be deeply missed. Born on August 20, 1930, Julia was the youngest of nine children raised on the Norton family farm in Stony Point, North Carolina. From an early age, she was drawn to helping others and followed that calling throughout her life. She attended Mitchell Community College in Statesville, NC, and went on to study at Union Seminary and Presbyterian School of Christian Education in Richmond, VA. She later earned a master’s degree in Christian Education from the University of Virginia. Julia began her career in New Orleans, Louisiana, working at Canal Street Presbyterian Church and the Sam Barthe School. It was there she met the love of her life, Harry D. Fegley, with whom she shared 60 wonderful years of marriage. After moving to the Washington, DC area, Julia served in various leadership roles, including Director of Christian Education at both Trinity Presbyterian Church in Arlington, VA, and Westminster Presbyterian Church in Alexandria, VA. She also served as Vice Moderator of the National Capital Union Presbytery and later as an elder and associate pastor at Chevy Chase Presbyterian Church in Washington, DC, where she and Harry were devoted members for many years. In 2000, Julia and Harry moved to Annapolis to be closer to their growing family and to enjoy the natural beauty and maritime life of the Chesapeake Bay. They became active members of the West River Sailing Club and spent many memorable seasons sailing locally and along the eastern seaboard, from the Bahamas and Key West to the Great Lakes, Canadian waters, and Provincetown, aboard their beloved vessels, the cutter Dauntless and trawler Baraka. Summers were often spent at their beach property in Delaware, where she found no greater joy than gathering with cherished family and friends to celebrate summers, holidays, and special events. Julia embraced her new Annapolis community wholeheartedly and energetically. She sang with the Heritage Harbour Choir, participated in the Severn Town Club, tutored deserving Anne Arundel County students in reading and math, and volunteered with the Anne Arundel Volunteer Income Tax Assistance Program, helping seniors and low-income residents navigate tax season with care and compassion. Julia was predeceased by her husband, Harry Donald Fegley, and her eldest son, David Norton Fegley. She is survived by her sons, Donald (Lynn) Fegley of Shady Side, MD, and Andrew (Amanda) Fegley of Annapolis, MD; as well as four grandchildren: Alexander (Elizabeth), Katharine, Aurora (Alex), and Zachary. A celebration of Julia’s life will be held later this summer. She will be laid to rest alongside her beloved husband and lifetime companion, Harry, at the Maryland Veterans Cemetery in Crownsville at a later date. In lieu of flowers, the family encourages donations to a charity of your choice in Julia’s memory. Online condolences may be made using the Memories tab on this page.