Julia Ann Sampson

Julia Ann (Woolridge) Sampson, 89, of Arcola, IL passed away at 10:00 PM on Thursday, August 27, 2026 at Mattoon Rehabilitation and Health Care Center.

Private graveside services will be held in the Arcola Cemetery.

Julia was born on December 14, 1936 in Danville, IL. She was a twin daughter of Glades and Edna (Moyer) Brandenburg. She married George Woolridge on July 27, 1957 in Arcola, IL; he passed away on December 16, 1981. She later married William Fred Sampson Jr. on May 21, 1983 in Arcola, IL; he passed away on December 1, 2023.

She is survived by her daughter, Sharon Keller of Mattoon, IL, three grandchildren, John Charles Keller and his wife Anna of Champaign, IL, Rachel Wurtzel and her husband Aaron of Buffalo Grove, IL, and Dr. Maxwell George Woolridge of Gainesville, FL, and several nieces and nephews.

She was preceded in death by her parents, two husbands, George Woolridge and Fred Sampson, her son, Greg Woolridge, her twin sister, Mary Lou Cummins, and two brothers, Jack and Max Brandenburg.

Julia graduated from Arcola High School in 1954 and went on to build a long career at the Arcola 1st National Bank. She retired in 2000 after more than 40 years of service.

Julia was a member of the First Christian Church of Arcola, and the Kaskaskia Country Club. She enjoyed golfing, boating and fishing at Lake Shelbyville, and traveling, as well as spending time with her twin sister, Mary Lou, which she shared an unbreakable bond. She also treasured time spent with her beloved grandson, J.C. She shared many special friendships from her years at the bank and later from her travels. She and her husband, Fred, spent many happy winters in Leesburg, FL.