Julia Ann Simmons

Julia Ann Simmons went to her heavenly home on October 16, 2021 after a period of declining health.

She was born on February 18, 1940, in Greensboro, North Carolina to the late David “Ross” and Edna “Ruth” Bell. She is predeceased by her husband of 59 years, Donald Ray Simmons, her parents, her brothers, David, Maurice and Robert Bell, her sister, Marjorie Bell King, sister-in-law, Rixine Causby.

She is survived by her daughter, Donna Hoosline (Greg) of Cleveland, GA and her two sons Wayne Simmons (Denise) of Dahlonega, GA., and Andy Simmons (Sissy) of Cleveland, GA., brother Sydney “Buddy” Bell, Greenville, SC.

Her seven grandchildren, April, Pelphrey (Ryan) of Cleveland, Justin Ellington (Nichole) of Cleveland, Brandon Simmons (Christen) of Gainesville, Alexa Bruce (Bart) of Dawsonville, Amanda Adams (Caleb) of Murrayville, Abby Hoosline (Gary) of Cleveland, and Amber Dyer (Austin) of Cleveland.

Her sixteen precious great-grandchildren, Morgan, Ansley, Mason, Hayden, Connor, Jaxin, Maddox, Madelyn, Andrew, Easton, Avett, Presley, Hudson, Harper, Bryson, and Kalli.

After getting married in 1961, she made her home in Greensboro, North Carolina while Don was serving in the United States Navy. In 1964 they received orders that he would be stationed in Guam.  She packed up Donna and Wayne and moved to base housing.  Their youngest son, Andy was born there in 1965.  When he received orders that they would be moving to Norfolk, VA., where they stayed until his retirement in 1976.  At that time, they moved back home to Greensboro, NC. Before settling in Raleigh, NC. WHEN Don took a district manager position at Western Steer, staying there until they decided to open their own steakhouses. In the mid-1980’s the first Reservation Family Steakhouse was opened by Don and Julia in Dahlonega, followed by a location also in Dawsonville and Cleveland.  They permanently retired together in 1993, making their home in Cleveland, GA.

She has always been most affectionately known as Memaw.  Her kids, grandkids, and great-grandkids were her first priority when you went to her house you were guaranteed a glass of the best sweet tea you’ve ever had and a snack or two! If she wasn’t busy cooking a meal, she would never pass up a good card game or a round of Yahtzee.  She was the best Memaw, the rock of our family, and was the epitome of a true Southern Belle.

Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 PM Wednesday, October 20, 2021 at The Chapel of Barrett Funeral Home. The Rev. Keith Windmiller will officiate.

The family will receive friends on Tuesday, October 19, 2021, from 6:00 P.M.-8:00 P.M. at Barrett Funeral Home.

Flowers are welcomed or you may make a donation in her memory to St. Jude’s Children’s Hospital, Hospice of Northeast Georgia, or the Wounded Warrior Project.

To share a memory or to leave the family a condolence please visit www.barrettfh.com.

Barrett Funeral Home, Cleveland. 706-865-3101.