Julia Batchelor

Obituary For Julia Batchelor

“Education is for improving the lives of others and for leaving your community and world better than you found it.”

Marian Wright Edelman

Julia Christine Hendrix Batchelor was known for her beautiful mathematical mind, kind spirit and willingness to share all her talents and time. She used her ability to teach math and solving problems as an introduction to teach life skills. Most of her students left her presence with an understanding of how to tackle the difficult math and life problems.

Julia C. Batchelor was born on May 4, 1933, to William W. and Julia A Hendrix, Savannah, Georgia. She was the baby of the bunch as she had two older siblings, William T. Hendrix and Fannie M. Hendrix. Unfortunately, at 4 days old her mother would die due to childbirth complications.

Julia graduated from Beach High School in Savannah, Georgia. She excelled in her studies and would graduate at the top of her class as Valedictorian. Upon graduation from high school, she would continue her studies at Savannah State University and again graduate with honors, Cum Laude. While at Savannah State, April 29, 1954, she would be initiated and become a proud member of the illustrious Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. This was the start of her combining her love for math and serving the community.

Julia Batchelor began her professional career as a teacher at Cook County Training School. Coming to Adel, Ga (Cook County) was a major adjustment as she was born, raised and lived in a big city all her life. Always an avid learner, she would go on to get a Master of Science (specialist 6-year degree) from what was known then as Atlanta University but now known as Clark Atlanta University. This accomplishment landed her as the first African American in Cook County to have a specialist 6-year degree. She also became a part of the NSF Institute and studied at The University of Kansas. She would go on to participate in many other learning opportunities at North Carolina College at Durham and Valdosta State University.

Julia started her career at Cook County Training school. While at the Cook County Training School, she got reacquainted with Willie Batchelor whom she had met once at Savannah State University through her uncle, Daniel Hendrix, a teacher from Quitman. They would go on to marry and have one daughter, Stephanie.

After the birth of her daughter Stephanie, she was selected to be one of two teachers to support the integration effort of the previously segregated Cook High School. With a baby at home, she was willing to take on the challenge and make a difference with all students regardless of the color. During her 43 years of teaching, she earned many awards and would also become an adjunct teacher at Valdosta State Universityfor 15 years. Her list of honors and awards include: Cook County Training School Class of 1967 Outstanding Teacher Award(1967); Star Teacher(1972); Teacher of the Year, Cook High Schoolseveral years; Outstanding Beta Club Advisor for 15 years’ service(1983); Certificate, Special Congressional Recognition for Devoted Service to the State of Georgia’s congressman, Charles Hatcher(1983);ABAC, Outstanding Teacher in Mathematics Education(1986); Outstanding Georgia Educator, Secretary of State, Max Cleland(1988-89); Georgia High School Mathematics Candidate for the Presidential Awards for Excellence in Teaching(1988 and 1990); Cook County Board of Education Outstanding Math Educator(1988); Certificate of Appreciation for Outstanding Service to the State of Georgia, Secretary of State, Max Cleland(1989); Onie and The Atlanta Journal & Constitution, Outstanding Math Teacher in Georgia(1989); Outstanding Georgia Educator, Lieutenant Governor, Zell Miller(1990); The Math-Science Roundtable GA Alliance for Public Education: Outstanding Math Teacher(1990);Roundtable Honors Seminar for Mathematics/Science Teachers of Georgia (1991); Women of Achievement Certificate, Valdosta Business and Professional Women(1991); Semi-Finalist for Georgia Teacher Hall of Fame Award (sponsored by the Georgia Association of Educators and TBS-17)(1992); Who’s Who Among America’s teachers, 4 times. Community awards: Cook County Chapter of NAACP Outstanding volunteer service award (1984); St. James A.M.E. Church, Pastor’s Award for Outstanding Christian Service (1997-1998); Outstanding, Cook County Emancipation Proclamation Program (2000)

Julia was committed and faithfully served her local chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc., Valdosta Alumnae Chapter in various roles ranging from treasurer, vice president to president. In 1988 she was awarded the Delta Sigma Theta Leadership Service award and in 1990 the Distinguished Soror of the Year.

She is survived by a daughter Stephanie A. Evans, an amazing and supportive son-in-love, Lonnie B. Evans, three grandchildren, Christian, Chandler, and Lauren Evans, Two goddaughters Vickie (Daryl) Silas and Cynethia Holton Jones, A godson Jarrett Pitts (Kathryn). Several nephews, nieces, cousins and many friends and extended family.

A celebration of life will be Saturday, February 17, 2024 at 10AM at the Adel Church of God Family Life Center with Pastor Timothy Lewis, officiating. Emtombment will follow at McClane Riverview Memorial Gardens Cemetery. Visit this website or our Stevens-McGhee Funeral Home Facebook page to view a livestream of the celebration.

Continue to keep the Batchelor Family in your thoughts and prayers.