TERRELL, N.C. - Julia Viola Sherrill Caldwell, 81, of Terrell was welcomed into the arms of her Jesus on the morning of August 24, 2024, just one day before she was to celebrate her 61st wedding anniversary with the love of her life, Berry Roscoe Caldwell.

Born on July 28, 1943, in Newport News, Virginia, to Ray Clement and Blanche Sherrill, Julia faced and overcame incredible challenges from a young age.  She contracted polio and spent 18 months in an iron lung.  At age three she was thrown from a car when visiting her grandparents and spent six months in the hospital in a coma. Despite these difficulties experienced in her childhood, Julia graduated from Bandys High School. She went on to Appalachian State College to pursue a degree in education, later earning a Master’s degree from ASU. Julia married Berry Caldwell on August 25, 1963. Berry was drafted for the Vietnam War three years into their marriage while Julia began her teaching career.

Education was Julia’s passion, and she had a heart for helping every child she came in contact with succeed.  She taught for 47 years in several school systems including Mooresville City, Wake County, and Mecklenburg County Schools. In Mooresville, she was a math teacher and girls’ basketball coach.  Julia pioneered the physical education program in the elementary schools for Wake County as the Director of Elementary Physical Education, starting as its first teacher, and in time grew it to include 52 schools. After the family moved to Catawba County, Julia taught Algebra in Mecklenburg County for 30 years. Julia once again pioneered a program called Advancement Via Individual Determination (AVID). Students who participated in this program were first-generation college-bound students who she advised and provided opportunities to visit college campuses during their senior year. Within the 4th year of the program, 100% of her students went to 4-year colleges. In 2006 she was recognized by the Teaching Fellows Institute of Charlotte for her dedication to the teaching profession and commitment to students. Julia knew no boundaries when promoting education and took her personal time to help her students succeed.

Family was Julia’s joy. Berry and Julia wrote a beautiful love story together.  She adored her two daughters, Sherrill and Cary, their husbands, and her beautiful grandchildren. They made her heart happy and she loved all the good times together, which included family meals, trips to the beach, and gathering for holidays in her home.

Faith was Julia’s rock.  She was a faithful member of First Baptist Church in Mooresville where she was a member of the Partners in Christ Sunday School class. She taught children in Mission Friends and was a leader in the youth group serving meals when they went on mission trips and to Caswell for summer camps.  

Julia was loved by all who knew her and she will be greatly missed.

Rest in peace in the glory of God until we meet again sweet Julia.

She is survived by her husband, Berry Caldwell; daughter Sherrill Jordan and husband, John Robert Jordan; daughter Cary Atkins and husband, Brad Atkins. Grandchildren Juleigh Vena Jordan, Robert Berry Jordan, Jackson Hoyle, Raiya Atkins, Colton Atkins, Casen Atkins, and Anahi Gill. Also, her brother, David Sherrill and sister, Debra Freeze, many nieces and nephews and special friends, Larry and Nettie Gambill and Don Wheeler.  Also, beloved devoted caregivers, Zoya Gill, Teresa Abernethy, and Kathy Ray.  

 Julia was preceded in death by her parents and an adopted sister, Cindy Marzean.

A service to celebrate Julia’s life will be held on Tuesday, August 27, 2024 at 11 a.m. at First Baptist Church, 150 S Church St., Mooresville, NC 28115. Rev. Seth Denny and Rev. Mark Pitts will officiate.  Interment will follow at Rehobeth United Methodist Church Cemetery, 9297 Sherrills Rd., Terrell, NC 28682. The family will receive friends prior to the service from 9:30 to 10:45 a.m. at First Baptist Church, Mooresville.

Memorials may be made to Bandys High Band Alumni Association, 715 W C St., Newton, NC 28658 or AVID (Advancement Via Individual Determination), https://my.avid.org/donations/default.aspx

Condolences may be sent to the Caldwell family at www.bennettfuneralservice.com

Bennett Funeral Service of Newton, N.C. is serving the Caldwell family.