Julia (Merriweather) Ampey was born on October 8, 1939, in Chicago, Illinois, to Elnora (Hardy) Merriweather and Granville Merriweather. She loved her family deeply and often reminisced about growing up in Chicago and spending summers in South Haven, Michigan, with her parents and siblings.
Julia graduated from Dunbar High School in Chicago, Illinois. Throughout her life, she continued her education, taking college courses at Kalamazoo Valley Community College, Lake Michigan Community College, and Western Michigan University. She firmly believed that “education is key.” Julia worked for Perrigo Pharmaceutical Company for 30 years as a Quality Assurance Manager. She took great pride in her work and often said, “It was not a job—it was like a second home.”
Julia cherished time with her family, especially her children, grandchildren, and great-grandchild. She spoke with at least one of her nine siblings every day, maintaining the close family bond she valued so much. Julia enjoyed reading, watching her favorite soap operas, and visiting the casino with family and friends.
Julia had a giving heart and generously supported local organizations, including the Salvation Army, the Kalamazoo Gospel Mission, and St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. She also volunteered at Gobles Public Schools through the Grandparents Program, where she helped students with their learning. Julia was married to Jasper “Bud” Ampey, Sr. for 28 years before his passing in 1989. She leaves behind two sons, Jasper (Brenda) Ampey, Jr. of Hudsonville, MI, and Shawn (Heather) Ampey of Gobles, MI; four grandchildren, Arriel (Quynterra) Haven-Ampey, Shane Ampey, Austin Ampey, and Jozlyn Ampey; and one great-grandchild, Journeii O’Neil.
She is also survived by five of her twelve siblings: Gertrude Brown of Bangor, MI; Minnie Merriweather of South Haven, MI; Janice Merriweather of Kalamazoo, MI; Mable Merriweather of Ann Arbor, MI; and George (Diane) Merriweather of Nicholson, GA. Julia also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, and dear friends.
She was preceded in death by her husband, Jasper Norris Ampey, Sr.; her parents, Grandville and Elnora Merriweather; five brothers, Joseph, James, Sam, Charles, and Granville Jr. Merriweather; and her sister, Jeanette (Merriweather) Shane.
“Those we love don’t go away. You will continue to live on in our memories—the laughter of us reminiscing about the adventures we shared and the tears of us missing you. You are loved.” – Julia Ampey
Celebration of Life for Julia will take place on Saturday, November 1, 2025 at 11:00 a.m. at Filbrandt Chapel, 1076 S. Bailey Ave., South Haven, Michigan 49090. Pastor Ralph Cunningham from Seasons of Change Church, Kalamazoo, Michigan will officiate. Following the Celebration of Life Service, Julia will be laid to rest at Robinson Cemetery in Gobles, Michigan.
Those wishing to share a memory of Julia online may do so at www.starksfamilyfh.com.
Arrangements have been entrusted to Filbrandt Chapel – Starks Family Funeral Homes and Cremation Services. 269-637-0333.
Service Details
Service
When
November 1st, 2025 11:00am
Where
Filbrandt Chapel
Address
1076 S. Bailey Ave.
South Haven , MI 49090
Interment
Where
Robinson Cemetery
Address
20th Avenue and M-40
Gobles , Michigan 49055
Posted On: Thursday, October 23, 2025 3:49 PM
