The McDougald Funeral Home 2211 N. Main Street Anderson, SC 29621 864-224-4343OBITUARY DR. JULIA SPEARES MANCINONovember 15, 1934 - January 10, 2007 Williamston, SCDr. Julia Ann Speares Mancino, beloved Mother, daughter, sister, colleague, teacher, and friend, passed away on January 10, 2007 from complications associated with Alzheimer's Disease. She was the daughter of the late Kathleen Telford and Scott Bruce Speares.She is survived by her daughter, Julia Ann (Judy) Mancino of 119 West Mountainview Avenue, Greenville, South Carolina, her son, Joseph John Mancino, Jr. of 640 Skyline Drive, Martinez, California and her sisters, Laura Jo Speares Terry and Mary Speares Campbell of Anderson, South Carolina. Her brother, Scott Bruce Speares, Jr., predeceased her. Julia was born on November 15, 1934. A graduate of Anderson College and Erskine College, she earned a Master's Degree and Education Specialist Degree from Clemson University. A true teacher at heart, she taught in several South Carolina schools before starting a long and distinguished career as a teacher and administrator in Williamston, South Carolina. She was the first female principal in Anderson County School District One. Always believing in the highest potential for all children, she worked tirelessly to create an environment that gave every child the same opportunities to succeed. She retired from public education in 1989. Not content to be a young retiree, she entered The University of Georgia and in 1993 achieved her highest personal goal - earning a Doctoral degree. Her dissertation, 'Integrated Curriculum, Theoretical Advocacy, and Political Reality: Curriculum Reform in South Carolina during the early 1980s' was considered groundbreaking research and was the subject of many presentations she made across the country. She returned to her alma mater, Erskine College as a Professor of Education and finished her career preparing students to enter the teaching field' her final professional ambition. Julia was a lifelong church member. Baptized and confirmed in the Lutheran Church,she joined Grace United Methodist Church when she moved to Williamston 40 years ago. She believed that serving God meant active participation in one's church. As long as her health permitted, Julia used her talents and abilities wherever they were needed at Grace. In 2005 she received the United Methodist Women's Special Mission Recognition Award, the highest award accorded a woman in the Methodist Church.PAGE TWO She was a charter member of the Lambda Chapter of Alpha Delta Kappa National Teacher's sorority and a member of Phi Delta Kappa, an organization that recognizes excellence and outstanding achievement in education. She was active in the Williamston community, helping many in need anonymously. Julia was May Queen at Anderson College and Miss Anderson, 1954. An avid bridge player, Julia also enjoyed playing the piano, scrap booking, drawing, embroidery, and travel. She made several trips abroad. Julia loved her children and all of her family unconditionally. She believed God's goodness and guidance were ever-present in her life. All who knew her were blessed to be a part of her life. Heaven has a new Angel. The family will be at 209 River Drive in Williamston, South Carolina. Visitation will be Friday, January 12, 2007 at The McDougald Funeral Home, 2211 North Main Street, Anderson, South Carolina from 6:00 to 8:00 pm.The Funeral Service will be held at Grace United Methodist Church in Williamston, South Carolina on Saturday, January 13, 2007 at 11:00 am with Reverend Peggy Garland officiating. Burial will follow at Forest Lawn Memorial Park. Honorary pallbearers will be the Friendship Sunday School Class from Grace United Methodist Church. Memorials may be made to the Dr. Julia Speares Mancino Scholarship Fund, Erskine College, PO Box 608, Due West, SC 29639. A message of condolence may be sent to the family by visiting www.mcdougaldfuneralhome.com.THE MC DOUGALD FUNERAL HOME is in charge of arrangements.