TRAVERSE CITY — Julie Cutler Black, 61, of Traverse City, died Friday, Nov. 11, 2011, at Munson Medical Center in Traverse City.Julie was born in Traverse City on Monday, July 17, 1950, to Robert Allen and Thelma Willsey Black, who preceded her in death.After completing high school in Traverse City in 1968, she received her BA from Northwestern Michigan College and BS and MS from Central Michigan University. Even though she never attended the University of Michigan, she was a dedicated, life-long fan.Julie began teaching in 1972 at Long Lake Elementary, until 2001 when she retired because of health-related reasons. Her 29 years at Long Lake were filled with lots of smiles, hugs, helping hands, big hearts and "warm fuzzies."Humor and hugs were of utmost importance. Julie believed a child who feels loved and enjoys school will learn much more easily. It was difficult for her to see children lose the joy of childhood. Humor helped them loosen up and made each day fun for her as well as the students. In 1988, she was diagnosed with multiple sclerosis. Her students followed her and helped her through the various stages — cane, walker and power-driven scooter. The kids in her class did not see her disability.Among Julie's greatest pleasures in recent years was observing the beauty of nature (especially around her home on the water); reading; soaking up the warmth of the sun and the beauty in its setting; and most of all, her devoted friends and her cats.Julie relied greatly on her caregivers, with whom she developed special and deep relationships. As she kept their daily tasks light through a wonderful sense of humor, they in turn appreciated her — her organization and genuine caring nature — and looked to her as the definition of "inspiration."Julie believed that a sense of humor makes life easier to deal with and much more fun. "Adapt and move on" was her motto.She was a member of First Congregational Church, where interment will be in the Garden of Remembrance. Cremation has taken place. A memorial and celebration of Julie's life will be held at 4 p.m. Friday, Nov. 18, at First Congregational Church, with Dr. Gary Hogue officiating. Visitation will take place following the service.Instead of flowers, memorials may be directed to the Cherryland Humane Society.Please share your memories of Julie by way of her online guest book at www.reynolds-jonkhoff.com.Reynolds-Jonkhoff Funeral Home and Cremation Services is handling the arrangements.