Julia Hong Cheng-Lin

Julia Hong Cheng-Lin of Stuttgart went to be with the Lord on Saturday, February 5, 2011. She was born in Taian, Shandong Province, China on June 10, 1955. Julia is survived by her husband and best friend of 32 years, Michael Jingzhu Lin, and daughters, Hui Lin of Little Rock and Laura Hong Lin and son, Matthew Tiger Lin of Stuttgart. She is also survived by her mother Yueqing Cheng, three sisters, and one brother, all in China. It was on a visit to the hospital, where Julia was a registered nurse in ER, that Michael was immediately attracted. Although a white mask partially covered her face, it was her beautiful, attentive eyes that captured his heart. His grandfather, one of Julia's patients in intensive care, was also influenced by her compassion and the fact that she gave "painless" shots. Julia and Michael married in 1979, and in 1989, Michael came to America to get his Master's degree at Colorado State University in Fort Collins, Colo. In 1990, Julia and their young daughter Hui joined him in the United States. After Michael accepted a job with the University of Arkansas Rice Research Center, the family moved to Stuttgart. Shortly after moving to town, they opened a restaurant, China Garden, where Julia's vibrant personality won instant friendship with all their customers. She also quickly mastered the English language since no one in Stuttgart spoke Chinese. Another major accomplishment for Julia was learning to drive. For years she had ridden a bicycle to work, grocery shopping, and running errands. Her family agreed it was one of her happiest moments when she earned her driver's license. Julia was always grateful to Linda Knoll for introducing her to the Christian faith which led to her baptism in Grand Prairie Evangelical Methodist Church. Julia was such an incredible wife and mother. Her children were the most important things in her life. She taught them her strong family values and about the rewards of hard work. Anyone who knew Julia knew how hard she worked at whatever she tried to do. She leaves behind many cherished memories for her family and friends. Funeral services, officiated by Bro. Thomas Bormann, are 2 p.m., Friday at Turpin Funeral Home Chapel with burial following in Lone Tree Cemetery. Visitation is 5-7 p.m., Thursday at Turpin Funeral Home. Please go to www.turpinco.com to sign the online guestbook.