Julia SaundersKnoxville, TNJulia Ann Tyrrell Saunders, 62, passed away unexpectedly in her sleep on December 2, 2016 in her home in Knoxville, Tennessee. Julia was born on July 4, 1954 in Knoxville, TN to the late Ruth and William Tyrrell. Julia was married on March 22, 1985 to Paul Saunders of Wakefield, Massachusetts. They had two children, Audrey and Natalie, both of Knoxville. Julia graduated from Bearden High School in 1972 and from the University of Tennessee with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a major in Transportation in 1979. She then held a successful career as a logistics manager for over thirty years at various companies including General Electric, BASF, and Olin Corporation. Julia was recently retired in May 2014 and spent her time volunteering with Children's Hospital. She enjoyed cooking for her family, gardening, decorating, reading and spending time with her daughters. Julia leaves behind her daughters, Audrey Saunders and Natalie Saunders both of Knoxville to cherish her memory. Julia also leaves behind devoted step-daughters, Bethany McElrath of Asheville, North Carolina and Heather Saunders (Jon Lansberg) of New York City, New York; and a future son-in-law, Grant Eason of Knoxville, Tennessee. Julia is also survived by her brothers, Patrick Tyrrell of Lenoir City, Tennessee; William Tyrrell of Knoxville, Tennessee; Timothy Tyrrell of Scottsdale, Arizona; and her sisters, Sallie Tyrrell (Lawrence Crouch) of Knoxville, Tennessee, and Rose Tyrrell (Joe Thomas) of Atlanta, Georgia. Julia also leaves behind her sister-in-law, Patti Tyrrell of Knoxville, Tennessee; brothers-in-law, Steve Saunders (Barbara Saunders) of La Habra, California and Carl "Joe" Saunders (Anna Saunders) of Saugus, Massachusetts and numerous devoted nieces, nephews and extended family. In addition to her parents, Julia was preceded in death by her sister, Katherine Evans; her brother-in-law, Dr. David Saunders; her husband, Paul Saunders; and her brother, Daniel Tyrrell.Julia will be remembered for her Sunday dinners, immense love of her daughters, her knowledge in logistics and one-of-a-kind personality. She will be missed by all those who had the pleasure of knowing her. At Julia's request, services will be held privately with family at Berry Highland Memorial, 5315 Kingston Pike, Knoxville, Tennessee, 37919. Julia had a passion for charitable organizations and her East Tennessee community. In lieu of flowers, donations can be made in her name to aid those affected by the recent wildfires in Gatlinburg, Tennessee. Mailed contributions should be sent to: My People Fund, c/o Dollywood Foundation, 111 Dollywood Lane, Pigeon Forge, Tennessee 37863 with "In Memory of Julia Tyrrell Saunders" in the memo. Online contributions can also be made on www.dollywoodfoundation.org anonymously.