Julia Hanson Cerra

Julia Hanson Cerra, age 93, went home to meet her Master and join the choir of Angels in the early morning hours of November 29, 2012. She leaves behind a family who was her greatest joy and the community of Pass Christian which she loved and enjoyed.
Julia was born on June 27, 1919, the second child of Herbert H. and Katie Courtenay Hanson. Julia grew up around the waters of the Gulf and was her father's companion on many fishing adventures. She was an accomplished fisherwoman and sailor. In 1938, she sailed for the Pass Christian Yacht Club as a Skipperette. She attended Perkinston Junior College and the University of Southern Mississippi which culminated in a degree in education. In 1941, she reigned as Queen Christiana in the St. Paul Carnival Association. Julia taught in the Pass Christian schools prior to her marriage in 1948. Her married years included traveling with her husband to various military assignments. In 1964, the family retired to Pass Christian and Julia once again immersed herself in all the beauties and bounties that her beloved Pass Christian offered.
In addition to teaching at Pass Christian Elementary School, Julia busied herself with raising her three children. She was their greatest cheerleader and support. Following her retirement as a librarian for the Pass Christian School District in 1987, Julia was able to enjoy the many activities that she enjoyed. She was a member of the Pass Christian Yacht Club, the Pass Christian Garden Club, The Pass Christian Historical Society, St. Paul Catholic Church and the St. Paul Altar Society, and the VFW Auxiliary. In her retirement, she also shared her joy of the coast with her grandchildren. Prior to her stroke in 2004, Julia could be seen in the early morning hours and in the evenings throwing her net on the pier in the Pass Harbor or dangling her line in the water off the yacht club pier. She patiently waited for her ""catch"", cleaned it, and cooked it for the evening meal. Among her many culinary dishes, she was famous for her eggplant casserole.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Herbert Courtenay Hanson, and her sister, Dora Ella Hanson Pickich.
She leaves behind her husband of 64 years, James V. Cerra. To her children she leaves her gift of love, creativity, and a sense of adventure: Catherine Myers, Ann Shirley (Ray Broussard), and Jim Cerra (Marcy). In her grandchildren, she enjoyed the awe of discovery and teaching a new generation: Jennifer Williams (Ben), James ""Jimmy"" Cerra (Laura), Julie Myers, Charlie Shirley, Jodie Lutz (Bobby), and Nicholas Cerra. Her legacy continues in her great-grandchildren Gage and Noah Williams.
Though a stroke affected her physical activity, Julia never stopped trying to get better. She continues to be an inspiration to her children and grandchildren. Although the stroke robbed her of her ability to do those things that she so dearly loved, she still hoped and worked towards getting better. In her dreams, there were no physical problems or limitations. In her dreams, she could do all that she used to do. She was a survivor like the coast and town she dearly loved. She will be missed but we are so much better for having had her as a part of our lives.
Visitation will be Monday, December 3, 2012, from 9 - 10 am at St. Thomas The Apostle Catholic Church, 720 E Beach Blvd., Long Beach. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at 10 am Monday in the church. Burial will be in Live Oak Cemetery.
Memorials may be sent to the Rotary Club of Pass Christian.
The RIEMANN FAMILY FUNERAL HOME, Gulfport, is in charge of arrangements and an online guestbook may be signed at www.riemannfamily.com