Obituary - Julia Morris Plourde
Julia “Julie” Morris Plourde, 75, of Henrico, Virginia, passed away peacefully on May 20, 2026. She was a beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend whose absence will be felt deeply by all who knew her.
Julie was born on May 17, 1951, in Topeka, Kansas, to “Bud” Morris, M.D., and Barbara Duff Morris. Growing up, Julie was known as the diplomat among her siblings, always leading with kindness, calmness, and compassion. She was an excellent student and cherished summers spent swimming and golfing at Topeka Country Club and attending Camp Birchwood in LaPorte, Minnesota.
Julie graduated from Topeka West High School in 1969 and went on to attend Washburn University, where she was a member of Alpha Phi and earned a bachelor’s degree in Elementary Education. During her time at Washburn, she met the love of her life, Allan Plourde. The two were married on June 23, 1971, beginning a devoted partnership that would span nearly 55 years.
Together, Julie and Allan built a beautiful life that took them from Topeka to Colorado Springs, Denver, and ultimately Henrico, Virginia. Best friends in every sense, they loved one another fiercely and never missed an opportunity to lovingly tease each other and share a laugh. Their enduring love, loyalty, humor, and devotion to family became the foundation they passed on to their daughters, Erin and Lindsey.
Julie’s greatest gift was the care she gave to others. She was the person family and friends turned to for comfort, wisdom, encouragement, and laughter. A natural caretaker, she opened her home and heart freely to anyone in need. She met others without judgment and with unwavering generosity, always ready to lend a helping hand.
Julie is survived by her devoted husband, Allan Plourde; her daughters, Erin Covington (Erik) and Lindsey Gianoukos (Jason); her cherished grandchildren, Emma and Evan Covington of Henrico, Virginia, and Sophia and Reid Gianoukos of Charleston, South Carolina; her sisters, Nancy Cox (Clay) of Tucson, Arizona, and Anne Cox (Tim) of Houston, Texas; as well as many nieces and nephews whom she loved dearly.
She was preceded in death by her parents, Barbara Morris and M.D. “Bud” Morris, M.D.; her second mother, Jeanne Carpenter Morris; and her brothers, Ward Simmons and Tom Morris.
A memorial gathering in celebration of Julie’s life will be held on Wednesday, June 3, 2026, from 2:00 p.m. to 4:00 p.m. at Affinity Chapel, 2720 Enterprise Parkway, Richmond, VA 23294.
