Julia Marie Levi

Missionary Julia Marie Levi was born July 27, 1921 in Caseyville, MS. She was the fourth of nine children born to the late Supt. W. M. Levi and Mother Byneter Markham. She departed this life May 3, 2013
Sister Marie as she was so affectionately known was formerly a resident of Hazlehurst, MS where she was known as a devoted family woman and lover of the Lord and all his people. She accepted Christ as a young adult at Mt. Zion COGIC under the leadership of her father Supt. Levi.
She loved her children and family. There was never a situation too great that she wouldn't give her all to them. Being the family seamstress, she made dresses for her daughter and nieces. Even made suits for her son. Her son called her his personal tailor.

In the early years she was a profound reader, each summer when her nieces and nephews would come to visit, she would always save comic books for them to read. Sometimes they would race in the house to get to Aunt Marie comic book stash.

She loved all of her nieces and nephews and would whip them if they did wrong.
Her grand daughters were special to her, she loved them and because of the love she gave them, they taught their children to love "Granny Ree".

She became the mother figure for her family and enjoyed every minute of it (being the Boss).

Her family knew if you spend the night with Aunt Marie or ran Mama and it was a church night, You Had to Go to Church!

Missionary Levi was a faithful and loyal member of Mt. Zion COGIC until April 30, 2008 when she moved to Cincinnati, Ohio to live with her daughter and son-in-law.

She served in various positions in the church, according to her; the first church appointment was Bible Band President. She then served as Deaconess, Sunday School Supt and Finance Committee member concurrently for more than 40 years. She also served as Sunshine Band Advisor for 10 years. In addition to the local church positions, she also served on the district level as the Chairperson to the District Missionary for the #7 District (Missionaries Ella Lincoln and Ollie Powell).

When Supt Levi health began to fail Bishop Theo Davis in 1977 appointed the then Minister JR Williams to assist him and subsequently he was ordained and appointed pastor of Mt. Zion. The relationship between Missionary Levi and Pastor JR Williams was always good as she was pleased to have a man of God that continued to preach true holiness as her father did. She faithfully supported his leadership and vision for Mt. Zion 100%. Missionary Levi called herself Pastor Williams "she Peter". It was well known that she did not allow anyone to disrespect her pastor and leader.

After moving to Cincinnati, she joined Bethel COGIC under the leadership of Supt. James R. Willis, Sr. Pastor Willis immediately made her a church Mother to assist the other season Mothers in the work of the Lord. Missionary Levi continued to work for the Lord in Ohio as much as her health would allow. She continued to be a faithful tither and supporter of the vision of her pastor.

Missionary Levi was always a lively soul. She enjoyed dancing and praising God. She didn't believe in having dead service. Worshiping the Lord with everything she had was what she believed.

As an altar worker, she would stay there praying until the seekers came through.
She is preceded in death by her parents Supt W.M. Levi, Mother Byneter Markham, 4 brothers Percy Levi, O.C. Levi, James Levi, W.M. Levi, Jr.; two sisters L.C. Levi, Eunice Levi Grantham.

She leaves to cherish her memories one son Hugh Barr McGee of Biloxi, MS; one daughter Missionary April Levi (Deacon Vernon) Willis of Cincinnati, Ohio; two adopted son Elder Ronald McCain, Jr. of Jackson, MS, Elder LeRoy Johnson of Baton Rouge, LA; 2 granddaughters Anessa (Bruce) Brown, Michelle (Marcus) Askew all of Memphis, TN; one brother Deacon David Levi of Los Angeles, Ca; one sister Dr. Mary Levi(Pastor James) Stowe of Frankfort, KY; 5 Great grand children, a host of nieces, nephews, church members, friends, and 5 special God children in the Lord; Bernice Lawrence, Polly Williams, Joa Williams, Lola Washington, Melvin Washington.