107 Years of Caring: Mecklenburg County Honors Teacher for Her Dedication to Students
Mecklenburg County is honoring a long-time pillar of the Charlotte-Mecklenburg educational community in recognition of her 107th birthday. At this week’s regular meeting, the Board of County Commissioners proclaimed Jan. 17 as “Julia Ann McKnight Teamer Day.”
Julia Ann McKnight Teamer was born January 16, 1917, the seventh of 11 children. She was educated in Charlotte’s public schools, graduating from Second Ward High School in the city’s former Brooklyn neighborhood. Mrs. Teamer went on to attend Barber-Scotia Junior College and Johnson C. Smith University, from which she received her Bachelor of Arts degree. She conducted post-graduate studies at New York University, Columbia University, and the University of Pennsylvania, from which she received her master's degree.
Mrs. Teamer served as an elementary school teacher in the Charlotte-Mecklenburg public school system for 38 years. She taught at Fairview, Double Oaks, Oaklawn, and Allenbrook elementary schools before retiring. During her time as a teacher in the school system, she was recognized by two schools as Teacher of the Year.
Following her retirement, Mrs. Teamer was known in the community for nurturing students, encouraging them stay in school, and continuing to devote her time, energy, and personal resources to the development of young minds. She also worked with youth in many character-building activities. Mrs. Teamer was a Girl Scout leader, elementary school reserve leader, camp director, and one of the first "Head Start" program instructors.
Mrs. Teamer was the youngest member of The Phyllis Wheatley Y.M.C.A. Board of Directors, Superintendent of church school for the Cosmopolitan Community Church, and a Bible school instructor.
Mrs. Teamer was married to Bishop James William Robert Teamer for 52 years until his death in 1997. She and Bishop Teamer founded the Cosmopolitan Community Church and Teamer Religious and Educational Enterprises, Inc., two historic and important landmarks in the local African American and greater Charlotte community.