News Summary
Judith Fingerle Simmons, a notable community leader from Nashville, passed away at the age of 85 after a long battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. Born in Ann Arbor, she dedicated her life to education, family, and numerous charitable causes. Judith was known for her leadership skills within various organizations and her involvement in the community, leaving behind a legacy of service and compassion. Her family plans to honor her memory with a public Celebration of Life.
Nashville, Tennessee – Judith Fingerle Simmons, a distinguished community leader and cherished family member, passed away on June 6, 2025, at the age of 85 after a prolonged battle with Alzheimer’s Disease. She died peacefully, surrounded by her loved ones.
Born on April 27, 1940, in Ann Arbor, Michigan, Judith was the daughter of Phyllis Turnbull Fingerle and Earle Chapin Fingerle. She graduated from Ann Arbor High School in 1958 before continuing her education at Louisiana State University (LSU), where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Education in 1962. During her time at LSU, she was elected Vice-President of the Student Body and served as Vice President of the Pi Beta Phi Fraternity.
Following her graduation, Judith married Martin Ernest Simmons, Jr. on June 23, 1962, in Ann Arbor. The couple moved to Charlottesville, Virginia, where she taught first grade at Meriwether Lewis School and held the position of President of the Law Wives at the University of Virginia. In 1967, they relocated to Nashville, where she dedicated her life to her family and community service alongside her husband.
Judith was preceded in death by her husband, Martin, and her son J. Carter Simmons. She was also preceded by her parents, as well as her siblings Colin Jay Fingerle, Brian Earle Fingerle, Jane Fingerle Parker, and her nephew James Marron. She is survived by her daughter Alison Simmons Wingo and her husband John of Franklin, Tennessee, and her son Martin Earle Simmons and his wife Mary Katherine of Nashville. Her legacy includes five grandchildren: John McLemore Wingo, William Reed Wingo, Emma Corinne Wingo, Margaret Aline Simmons, and Corinne Chapin Simmons, along with numerous nieces and nephews.
Known for her radiant smile, sparkling blue eyes, and infectious laughter, Judith left a lasting impact on those around her. She was an avid tennis player and thoroughly enjoyed giving lessons to friends. A passionate supporter of her LSU Tigers sports teams, Judith was also deeply involved in her local community and committed to a variety of civic and charitable causes.
Throughout her life, Judith held several leadership roles within organizations. She served as Chairman of the Pi Beta Phi Christmas Village and as President of the Pi Beta Phi Alumnae Club of Nashville. She was instrumental in leading the Friends of Children’s Hospital at Vanderbilt Medical Center and chaired the inaugural Symphony Ball in 1985. Judith also held positions on the boards of the Nashville Symphony and Reading is Fundamental (RIF), exhibiting her dedication to education and the arts.
A valued member of the Canby Robinson Society Board, Judith contributed to its Scholarship Committee and led parent associations at both Montgomery Bell Academy and Harpeth Hall School. Her leadership skills were evident in the capital campaign for the Vanderbilt Bill Wilkerson Center and the endowment for the Dr. Fred Bess Chair in Audiology at Vanderbilt. In addition, she was a member of the Leadership Nashville Class of 2002-2003.
Judith received numerous accolades during her lifetime, including the Paragon Award from the Junior League of Nashville for Outstanding Committee Service, the Pi Beta Phi Crest Award, and recognition as Nashville Panhellenic Pi Beta Phi of the Year. She was honored by the Board of Directors for Family and Children’s Service and received the Friend of Otolaryngology Award from the Vanderbilt Department of Otolaryngology. Judith was also celebrated at the Celebration of Women by the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee for her commitment and contributions to her community.
The family expresses gratitude to the caregivers at Abe’s Garden and Alive Hospice for their compassionate care. A private service will be held at St. George’s Episcopal Church, with a public Celebration of Life and Gathering of Friends planned for June 25, from 4-6 pm at Belle Meade Country Club. For those wishing to honor her memory, memorial contributions can be made to Alive Hospice, Abe’s Garden Community, or the Vanderbilt Bill Wilkerson Center Department of Hearing and Speech.
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Additional Resources
- Dignity Memorial: Judith Simmons Obituary
- Wikipedia: Alzheimer’s Disease
- Legacy.com: Judith Humphreys Obituary
- Google Search: Judith Simmons
- Hixson Brothers: Michael Rae Simmons Obituary
- Google Scholar: Judith Simmons
- NFocus Magazine: Symphony Ball
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Judith Simmons
- WBBJ TV: Judith Elaine Marbury
- Google News: Judith Simmons Obituary
Author: HERE Nashville
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