Judith Margaret Simmons
Judith M. Simmons, 86, of Rockingham passed away after a long illness on Friday, March 1, 2024, with her family surrounding her.
Born Oct. 1, 1937 at Cook County hospital - Cook County, Ill. She was the daughter of Dr. Rufus and Eva C. Bowman. In 1955 she married Frank Tumer, and on August 17, 1980 she married the love of her life, John W. Simmons, who survives.
She lived in Oak Park, Ill until the age of 14 years when her father suddenly passed away and her mother moved to Centerville, VA, to her mother's parents' farm. She graduated in 1955 from North River High School, and later married and moved to England for two years. Judith has lived in two foreign countries and four different states. She worked at Bridgewater Retirement Home for 37 years where she retired due to ill health. She then moved to Rockingham where she lived until her death.
She was involved in a lot of activities during her life, Boy Scouts, Girl Scouts, church activities, and most of all, her love of Chapter sisters. She loved music, crafts, and teaching CNA classes with the help of her dear nurse friend, Nancy Cupp, RN. She also enjoyed sports events with her granddaughter, who played softball, and the horse events her daughters participated in. Judith was known for her lemon pies and cheese balls and was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star Chapter 76.
She is survived by her children, Victoria Knight and friend Jay, Desiree (David) Yates, Frank (Nancy) Tumer, Jr., Samuel Tumer, II and significant other, Helen Keplinger, Judith (Eddy) Zwart; step-children, Debbie Shifflett, John (Leanne) Simmons, Timothy (Karen) Simmons, Linda Simmons and significant other, Donna; cousin, Muriel Corcoran; ten grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren, step-grandchildren, and step-great-grandchildren.
In addition to her parents, she is preceded in death by her daughter, Jeanne Tumer and brother, Mack Bowman.
A funeral service will be held at 11:00 AM, on Wednesday, March 6, 2024, at Johnson Funeral and Cremation Service in Bridgewater, with Pastor Steve Spire officiating. Burial will be private.
Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.johnsonfs.com.
