Julia Arena Hoffman was born and raised in Dallas, North Carolina, on September 28, 1929. She was the oldest child of the late James Robert and Linnie Logan Hoffman.

Julia attended primary and secondary schools in Gaston County. She was an outstanding student, starting first grade early and skipping her 9th grade year, resulting in graduating from Highland High School at the age of 16.

With meager family funds available for her post-secondary education, what we know today as (Estimated Family Contributions, EFC), Julia enrolled at Cheney State University, where her uncle, Leander Logan, was a well-respected and renowned professor. Julia also resided with their family where she developed a fond relationship with her cousin, Julia Alice Logan or Little Julia.

On December 18, 1954, Julia married her high school sweetheart, James Erwin Saunders, Sr., (Sonny). Ironically, it was Sonny’s grandfather, Dr. Herbert Erwin, Sr., who delivered Julia into this world. During their courtship, Claude, Sonny’s brother, affectionately gave Julia her nick name “Dew Drop” which her family and friends called her until her transition.

Following her passion and in her mother’s footsteps, Julia majored and graduated with a degree in Early Childhood Education. Julia also continued her education attaining a graduate degree from Teachers College, Columbia University in New York City. She continued her post graduate work at UNC Charlotte receiving a certificate of Administration and Supervision.

Julia’s professional career began teaching the first grade at Myers Street and Lincoln Heights Elementary schools for 17 years. Her early education coursework and experience prepared her for administrative and supervisory positions in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg Schools (CMS), serving as the first K-3 Curriculum Specialist. Several years later she was appointed by Dr. Craig Phillips, then Superintendent of North Carolina Public Schools, to implement a kindergarten curriculum in colleges and universities across the state which came to fruition in the middle 1970s. In 1984, she was appointed CMS Director of K-12 Curriculum and Instruction by the late Dr. Jay Robinson. In 1987, she retired from CMS after 37 years of service.

The next six years of her professional career, Julia worked at Johnson C. Smith University teaching K-3 education classes and supervising their student teaching experience, an appointment she truly enjoyed.

In the course of her professional life, she was most fortunate to become active in civic and community leadership. Several of her servant leadership roles with board memberships were the Urban League, Charlotte Speech and Hearing, the Arts and Science Council, Bethlehem Center, Friendship Trays, Cities in Schools, and Lakewood Pre-School.

After her marriage to Sonny, Julia joined Epworth United Methodist Church (UMC) in Gastonia. They later transferred their membership to Simpson-Gillespie UMC in Charlotte where she was active in all aspects of church life; Council on Ministries, SPPR Committee, Board of Trustees, Building Committee, Loc Bert Committee, Chair of the Worship Committee, Chancel Choir, the Joyful Ringers Handbell Choir and Adult Bible Study Groups.

Julia was preceded in death by her long time husband of 65 years. They enjoyed a full life of experiences traveling, attending sport events, especially the CIAA Basketball Tournament, and spending time socializing with family and friends. Julia is survived by her daughter, Joan Lee (Reginald), and son, James (Sandy) E. Saunders II (Stephanie). Grandchildren: Christopher M. Lee (Brandy) and Jennifer Lee; Elizabeth and Jessica Saunders. Greatgrandchildren: Erin and Jordyn Lee. Sister, Legretta Shadd, and brother Zilmon Hoffman. Sisters- in-law: Doris S. Holland and Brenda S. Brown (Conard); brothers- in-law: Carroll B. Saunders and Alfred “Pete” Saunders; a host of cousins, nieces and nephews.

Funeral Arrangements Are As Follow:

PLACE: Simpson-Gillespie United Methodist Church, 3545 Beatties Ford Road, Charlotte, NC 28216

DATE & TIME: Friday, October 7, 2022 @ 1:00 P.M.

VISITATION: At the church one hour prior to service from 12:00 until 1:00 P.M.

BURIAL: Forest Lawn West Cemetery, Freedom Drive, Charlotte, North Carolina

Public Viewing at the funeral home on Thursday, October 6, 2022