Obituary: Julia Elaine Becknell Gencarelli of Spartanburg, SC

A Life of Service and Art in Spartanburg

The Spartanburg community is mourning the loss of Julia Elaine Becknell Gencarelli, a woman whose career and volunteer life left an indelible mark on local healthcare and the arts. Mrs. Gencarelli passed away on Friday, November 6, 2026, at the age of 86, with her family gathered by her side. Her passing marked the conclusion of a life defined by professional dedication and deep community involvement.

Born in Concord, North Carolina, to the late Jack R. Becknell, Sr. and Agnes Wilkins Becknell, Julia Gencarelli arrived in South Carolina and built a legacy that spanned over two decades in behavioral health. Her professional path was rooted in a strong educational foundation; she earned degrees and certifications in Arts Education, Occupational Therapy, and Behavioral Sciences. These credentials served her well as the Director of Activities in Behavioral Health at Spartanburg Regional Medical Center, a role she held for more than 25 years. Her work there focused on integrating therapeutic arts into patient care, a passion she continued as a volunteer with the New Day Club House Art Studio in downtown Spartanburg.

Mrs. Gencarelli Served Her Church and Family

Beyond her clinical and artistic contributions, Mrs. Gencarelli was a cornerstone of her family and the St. James United Methodist Church. She was preceded in death by her husband, Raffael (Ray) George Gencarelli, who passed away in 2010. Together, the couple was deeply embedded in the life of their congregation, where Julia served as a choir member, committee participant, and a representative to the United Methodist District Conference.

Obituary: Julia Elaine Becknell Gencarelli of Spartanburg, SC — Photo: echovita.com

She is survived by a large and devoted family, including her children: Brian Gencarelli (Dana) of Simpsonville, Josh Gencarelli (Nikki Gardner) of Spartanburg, Michael Gencarelli (Patti) of LaPorte, TX, and Kathie Gencarelli Cardon (Jim) of Green Cove Springs, FL. Her legacy continues through her brother, Jack R. Becknell, Jr. (Rebecca) of Charleston, and her beloved niece and nephew, Anne Becknell Walpole (Bryan) and Joe Becknell (Michelle) of Charleston. She also leaves behind a wide circle of grandchildren—including Marie Nicole Gencarelli, Klair Womack, Angella Gencarelli, Amber Gencarelli Kornegay, Aubree Gencarelli Stent, Kristi Cardon, Brian Cardon, Kelli Cardon, and Traci Cardon Mansfield—along with several great-grandchildren.

Honoring a Legacy of Care

The family has organized services to honor her memory, inviting friends and community members to share in their tributes. Visitation is scheduled for Monday, November 9, 2026, from 10:00am until 11:15am at St. James United Methodist Church, located at 213 N. Lanford Road in Spartanburg. The funeral service will follow at 11:30 am in the church, with Rev. Heather Humphries officiating. Following the service, burial will take place at the Asbury United Methodist Church Cemetery, 267 Asbury Road, Pacolet, SC 29372.

In a reflection of her lifelong commitment to service and her personal interests, the family has requested that in lieu of flowers, donations be directed to the St. James UMC, Prayer Garden Fund or to Spartanburg Regional Hospice, Hospice | Regional Foundation. These organizations represent the dual pillars of her life: her enduring faith and her long-standing professional dedication to the comfort and care of others. While the void left by her passing is significant, the influence of her work—both in the hospital wards and the local art studio—remains a quiet, persistent presence in the Spartanburg community.