Josephine Simmons Pankey

Josephine Simmons Pankey, 77, of Mountain Brook, Ala., peacefully passed from this life on June 12, 2020, surrounded by her family, and now is fully restored and resting in the presence of her Lord and Savior.

A lifelong Alabama resident, Josephine was born in Florence and raised in Jasper, attended The University of Alabama, and had lived in Mountain Brook since 1964, where she raised her family and was active in the community. She was a member of Weed Eaters Garden Club and Charades Dance Club and enjoyed playing golf and competitive tennis with friends at The Country Club of Birmingham. She also loved to sew, creating many cherished heirloom articles of clothing for her children and grandchildren. One of her favorite activities, though, was raising her beautiful voice in song. Josephine sang with several choral groups over the years, including Independent Presbyterian Church choir, Briarwood Presbyterian Church choir, Lee Scott Singers, and the Junior League of Birmingham Choral Group. She enjoyed several memorable performing experiences with these groups, including Over the Mountain Festivals, a U.K. choir tour, and Carnegie Hall.

Above all else, Josephine leaves behind an enduring spiritual legacy. Nothing was more important to her than her relationship with Jesus Christ. At age 40, she had a spiritual awakening that dramatically changed her life and had a profound impact on her family. She became passionate about sharing the Good News of the gospel and led many people to the Lord through the countless Bible studies and small group gatherings she hosted in her home. She also participated in Community Bible Study for many years. Josephine was blessed to attend several wonderful churches over the years and had been a faithful member of Church of the Highlands for the past 16 years.

Josephine will be deeply missed by her family, especially her husband of 55 years, Paul, and their three children and nine grandchildren: daughter Julie (Dan Kehl) and their children Daniel and Katie; son Tripp (Kelly) and their children Alex, Jay, Taylor, and Lucy; and son Simmons (Amy) and their children Travis, Collin, and Hannah Joy. She also leaves behind her sister, Julia Ann Cleage (Joe), several nieces and nephews, and many treasured friends. In heaven, she has been reunited with her parents, Judy and Joe Simmons.

The family greatly appreciates the special caregivers who attended Josephine in this last year, especially Geneva Jones.

A memorial service to celebrate Josephine’s life will be held at 1 p.m. on Tuesday, June 23, at The Chapel at Grants Mill, Church of the Highlands, with a reception to follow. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to Restoration Academy Christian School. PO Box 30, Fairfield, AL 35064