Interestingly, running was not always part of Julia’s life. She took up the 100-yard dash at 100 years old, encouraged by her children, and exceeded their expectations by completing it well under 100 seconds. At the 2021 Louisiana Senior Games, she aimed to finish in under a minute but completed it in just over 62 seconds, still an impressive feat given the windy and cold conditions. Her former students, now 90, cheered her on, highlighting her lasting impact as a retired teacher.

Although she didn’t meet her under-a-minute goal, Julia won the title for the fastest 100-meter dash in the 105+ age category, thrilling her family with her record-breaking performance.

Beyond running, Julia enjoys gardening and spending time with her family, which includes children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren. She reminisces fondly about her late husband, Murray Hawkins, whom she was married to for 70 years. Their marriage began in an extraordinary way—over the telephone while Murray was in Pearl Harbor.

Julia advises others to cherish “magic moments” in life, such as beautiful sunrises or shooting stars. She believes these moments are invaluable, regardless of one’s wealth or status, emphasizing the importance of appreciating the world with a keen eye and an open heart.