Julia Elaine Becknell Gencarelli, age 86, of Spartanburg, SC passed away with her family by her side on Friday, November 6, 2026. Julia was born in Concord, NC and was the daughter of the late Jack R. Becknell, Sr. and Agnes Wilkins Becknell. She was the wife of the late Raffael (Ray) George Gencarelli who died in 2010.

Julia held degrees and certifications in Arts Education, Occupational Therapy, and Behavioral Sciences and was a proud alumna of Greensboro College, the University of North Carolina-Chapel Hill, and the Richmond Professional Institute. She spent her career serving others as Director of Activities in Behavioral Health with Spartanburg Regional Medical Center for over 25 years.

Julia was an artist and spent many years as a volunteer with New Day Club House Art Studio in downtown Spartanburg. Along with her husband, she was an active member of St. James United Methodist Church having enjoyed membership in the choir, various committees, and serving as a representative to the United Methodist District Conference. A devoted mother and grandmother, Julia valued time spent with family and friends most of all.

Survivors include children, Brian Gencarelli (Dana) of Simpsonville and Josh Gencarelli (Nikki

Gardner) of Spartanburg, Michael Gencarelli (Patti) of LaPorte, TX, Kathie Gencarelli Cardon (Jim) of Green Cove Springs, FL, a brother Jack R. Becknell, Jr. (Rebecca) of Charleston and beloved niece and nephew Anne Becknell Walpole (Bryan) and Joe Becknell (Michelle) of Charleston. Grandchildren, Marie Nicole Gencarelli, Klair Womack, Angella Gencarelli, Amber Gencarelli Kornegay, Aubree Gencarelli Stent, Kristi Cardon, Brian Cardon, Kelli Cardon, Traci Cardon Mansfield, and several great-grandchildren.

The family will receive friends on Monday, November 9, 2026, from 10:00am until 11:15am at St.

James United Methodist Church, 213 N. Lanford Road, Spartanburg, SC 29301. The Funeral Service will be held at 11:30 am in the church with Rev. Heather Humphries officiating. Burial will follow at Asbury United Methodist Church Cemetery, 267 Asbury Road, Pacolet, SC 29372.

In lieu of flowers, the family suggests donations be made to St. James UMC, Prayer Garden Fund.

Or to Spartanburg Regional Hospice, Hospice | Regional Foundation