Obituary for Juliana Maria Foxworth- Simmons
Juliana Maria Foxworth-Simmons was born on December 12, 1935 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. Her parents, who have preceded her in death, were Leslie Elizabeth Foxworth-Waddell and Frank Roy Waddell. She went home to be with the Lord on Wednesday, July 21, 2021.
Judy or Julie, as she was affectionately known, was educated in Pittsburgh Public Schools, graduating from the Bellefield Vocational High School for Girls where she served in her Junior and Senior years as the Vice President of School Council. She loved to sing and as a youth sang with the St. James A.M.E. gospel choir and often sang with the choir at Central Baptist Church. One of her greatest joys was having studied under the direction of Madelina Johnson who was well known in classical music circles in the Pittsburgh area. Julie was very proud to have sung in Ms. Johnson’s production of the Italian opera, “Aida”.
Not long after graduation, she moved to Philadelphia where she met and married Lewis Simmons, who has preceded her in death. Juliana eventually earned her Licensed Practical Nursing Certification in the field of behavioral health. She utilized the certification at Norristown and Woodville State hospitals and at Presbyterian Hospital. Later, she earned a certification in Behavioral Counseling which she used while employed with Transitional Services and eventually Mercy Behavioral Health, from which she retired.
It was not well known that Julie enjoyed riding motorcycles and had dreams of being the first black female professional race car driver. (Of course, if you know her children, you know that she imparted her need for speed to them)!
Julie had a genuine love for all people, regardless of their walk in life and how it intersected with hers. She’d laugh with you, fuss at you, bring correction to you…then offer you something to eat! She never met a stranger…whether sitting on a bus or standing in line at the grocery, be sure that she’d strike up a conversation with whomever was near.
Julie gave her heart to the Lordship of Jesus Christ just a few years ago and while she didn’t have a particular church home, she was secure in her salvation.
Julie leaves to cherish her memory three children – Johanna, Jon Leslie and Jaye Orlando, her daughter-in-law Ashley, grandchildren Raechel Leigh (Texas), Leslie Sherrill (South Carolina), Raishawn and Kayla (New Jersey); great grandchildren Jaquan (Pennsylvania), Dameon (Texas), Alahni (New Jersey) and Emonnie (South Carolina); and great-great grandchildren Chance, Jaden and Deonna (all of Pennsylvania). In addition, she leaves her beloved sister-in-law, Annabelle Colquitt (Philadelphia, PA), life long best friends/adopted sister and brother Jimmie Lee and Charles Elliott, many nieces, nephews and friends and her rescue dog, Shy.
Judy or Julie, as she was affectionately known, was educated in Pittsburgh Public Schools, graduating from the Bellefield Vocational High School for Girls where she served in her Junior and Senior years as the Vice President of School Council. She loved to sing and as a youth sang with the St. James A.M.E. gospel choir and often sang with the choir at Central Baptist Church. One of her greatest joys was having studied under the direction of Madelina Johnson who was well known in classical music circles in the Pittsburgh area. Julie was very proud to have sung in Ms. Johnson’s production of the Italian opera, “Aida”.
Not long after graduation, she moved to Philadelphia where she met and married Lewis Simmons, who has preceded her in death. Juliana eventually earned her Licensed Practical Nursing Certification in the field of behavioral health. She utilized the certification at Norristown and Woodville State hospitals and at Presbyterian Hospital. Later, she earned a certification in Behavioral Counseling which she used while employed with Transitional Services and eventually Mercy Behavioral Health, from which she retired.
It was not well known that Julie enjoyed riding motorcycles and had dreams of being the first black female professional race car driver. (Of course, if you know her children, you know that she imparted her need for speed to them)!
Julie had a genuine love for all people, regardless of their walk in life and how it intersected with hers. She’d laugh with you, fuss at you, bring correction to you…then offer you something to eat! She never met a stranger…whether sitting on a bus or standing in line at the grocery, be sure that she’d strike up a conversation with whomever was near.
Julie gave her heart to the Lordship of Jesus Christ just a few years ago and while she didn’t have a particular church home, she was secure in her salvation.
Julie leaves to cherish her memory three children – Johanna, Jon Leslie and Jaye Orlando, her daughter-in-law Ashley, grandchildren Raechel Leigh (Texas), Leslie Sherrill (South Carolina), Raishawn and Kayla (New Jersey); great grandchildren Jaquan (Pennsylvania), Dameon (Texas), Alahni (New Jersey) and Emonnie (South Carolina); and great-great grandchildren Chance, Jaden and Deonna (all of Pennsylvania). In addition, she leaves her beloved sister-in-law, Annabelle Colquitt (Philadelphia, PA), life long best friends/adopted sister and brother Jimmie Lee and Charles Elliott, many nieces, nephews and friends and her rescue dog, Shy.