Julia Ann Kralis

1953 - 2022

Julia ‘Julie’ Ann (Hodgson) Kralis, 69, passed away unexpectedly September 19, 2022 at Saint Francis Bartlett Hospital. She first brightened our world as daughter to Hugh and Kathleen (Hardison) Hodgson in Memphis Tennessee, arriving July 23, 1953.

Julie graduated Hillcrest High School’s class of 1971 in Memphis, Tennessee. While raising her family, Julie later earned the Magna Cum Laude honors distinction with her Bachelor of Science in Education, bestowed by Memphis State University in 1992. She engaged her passion for mathematics serving the Shelby County School System, including Ellendale, Rivercrest and Germantown Elementary Schools, for over two decades before retiring. She was dedicated to shaping young minds, encouraging and energizing countless students through her creative, thoughtful style. And, spent countless hours perfecting lesson plans, grading papers and shopping store sales to provide clever learning supplies. Known for her fierce commitment, she achieved widespread respect of students, their families and peers alike.

Julie was an avid sports fan, intensely following University of Memphis and the Atlanta Braves, along with her children’s soccer, basketball and especially baseball activities in school years. She relished watching live games, able to recite player names and statistics with ease. Music was also core to Julie’s life, studying piano from an early age, singing in the church choir and playing the organ as a teen. Her talents inspired many, rooted in a deep love of classical, rock and roll and soul music. In most recent years, young twin grandchildren brought her incredible joy.

Julie is survived by husband Bill Kralis of 40 years, eldest son Jason Kralis of Bartlett and daughter Amanda Kralis of West Memphis; stepdaughter Angela Henry of LaFayette, Indiana; grandchildren Dalton Kralis and Ainsley Kralis of Bartlett; mother Kathleen (Hardison) Hodgson of Olive Branch, Mississippi; sister Carol (Hodgson) Eyer of Olive Branch, Mississippi; brother Carey Hodgson of Edmond, Oklahoma; uncle James Hardison and wife Diane of Solana Beach, California, and; multiple nieces, nephews and cousins across Hodgson, Hardison, Pinkerton and O’Bryant families.

The family will lift up hearts to informally celebrate Julie’s life September 29th, hosted through Bartlett Heritage to be held at Harmony Church of Bartlett, 6740 Saint Elmo Road, Bartlett, Tennessee 38135 at 4:00pm.

The family gratefully declines flowers and donations while appreciating prayers and condolences.