Julia Smith Obituary

Smith, Julia "Julie" Nora Anderson Born September 16, 1943 in Grand Junction, Tennessee, Julia "Julie" Nora Anderson Smith was the first child of Sarah and Elbert Anderson. At an early age, the family moved to Chicago, where Julie called home the remainder of her life. The majority of her life was intertwined with Ruggles Elementary School, where she was a student, a student teacher and a 1st grade teacher for 24 years, and served as an Individual Reading Specialist for the Reading Recovery Program for 11 years, for a total of 35 years at Ruggles Elementary. Additionally, she provided her expertise in building city-wide curriculum for the Lighthouse Program Math Summer Bridge Program. Julie and a group of her friends created the Simplicities Social Club, which matriculated through Hirsch High School, with many of them recently celebrating their 50th high school mass reunion. Julie was introduced to Rudy Smith by a mutual friend, and on November 28, 1970, they were married for 46 wonderful and colorful years. A proud mother to Donna Smith Bracey, she extended her parental love and guidance, with particular joy surrounding her granddaughter Jordyn Whitney Bracey. Julie and Rudy settled in the Rosemoor neighborhood, near her college alma mater, Chicago Teachers College, where she received her Bachelors of Science in Primary Education and her Masters of Science in Curriculum Development from Chicago State University. Julie served as Assistant Financial Secretary at St. Mark United Methodist Church, Vacation Bible School, served as a Crib Room Attendant, Lay Visitation Ministry, Food Pantry and Food Wagon, Lydia Circle of the United Methodist Women, Board of Directors for the St. Mark Manor and Chairperson of Adult Ministries. She became a proud member of Alpha Kappa Alpha Sorority, Incorporated, Theta Omega Chapter, a Charter Member of the Lincoln Park Chapter of the Top Ladies of Distinction, Incorporated, a member of Sisters on the Move Line Dancers, a member of the Page to Stage Book Club, a Red Hat Hot Flash Diva, and a member of the Professional Women's Auxiliary of Provident Hospital. Julie's spirit lives on as she leaves precious memories with her devoted and loving sister, Nelsie Anderson; her soul mate and doting husband, Rudy Smith; daughter, Donna Smith Bracey and granddaughter, Jordyn Bracey. A large community has been unforgettably touched by her life, including a host of nieces and nephews, adopted children and grandchildren, and numerous close, cherished friends. Memorial Services will be Saturday, January 7, 2017 at St. Mark United Methodist Church, 8441 S. St. Lawrence Ave., Chicago, IL 60619. Visitation begins at 10:00 a.m. Memorial Services at 11:00 a.m. Boone Funeral Service is in charge of arrangements. In lieu of flowers, donations to St. Mark UMC Food Pantry, St. Mark UMC or Journey Care Hospice Center, Glenview, IL 60025.