Mrs. Janice Marie Simmons

Janice Simmons was born on April 21, 1952, at Cook County Hospital in Chicago, Illinois, to Woodrow and Ana Mae Pegues. She was the youngest girl in a family of five, growing up on the West Side of Chicago in the Henry Horner Homes alongside her siblings Patricia, Phillip, Keith, and Anita. From an early age, Janice carried herself with quiet determination, charm, and resilience that would define her life. She attended St. Malachy Catholic School and graduated from Crane Technical High School. Committed to education and growth, she earned her Associate’s Degree in Business Administration from Kennedy King College. Her discipline and drive carried her far while keeping her grounded in the values that shaped her. In 1975, she met the love of her life, James Willie Simmons, Jr. Together they built a marriage rooted in loyalty, partnership, and love. He survives her, along with their six children Valerie Johnson (Donald), Tiffany Pegues, Stephanie Simmons, Courtney Simmons, James W. Simmons III (Kimberley), and Kimberly Green (Jeremy). She left behind twelve beautiful grandchildren, to whom she was known as their beloved Grammy, Liah Johnson, Donald J.E. Johnson Jr., Ya Sin Allah, Sadira Bethea, Jermai Berhea, Trinity Harrison, Jeremy Green Jr., Preston Harrison, James W. Simmon IV, Keyanna Green, Kamiyah Green, and Anais Simmons, She was a master of nicknames and a curator of original nursery rhymes that became treasured family traditions. "Row the Boat to Mississippi" was uniquely hers. Her joyful rendition of "Patty Cake" was unforgettable. "Grimmie Loves You" & "Grimmie's Little Buttercup" were personal reassurances wrapped in melody. Through laughter and imagination, she created a world where her grandchildren always felt safe and adored. In 1979, Janice moved to Cambridge, Massachusetts, where she began a distinguished 32 year career at Harvard University Business School. She was known for her professionalism, excellence, a master researcher and writer. She was acknowledged in a number of published works and honored during the 2006 Harvard University Commencement ceremony commemorating her twenty five year milestone. After retiring, she relocated to Snellville, Georgia, where she remained the pillar of strength for her family. Janice had a joyful and competitive spirit. She loved playing cards in her youth and embraced Bingo and scratch off tickets with enthusiasm, once celebrating a ten thousand dollar win. She faithfully cheered for the New Orleans Saints, the Chicago Bulls, and the New York Yankees. She founded the family football pool, a tradition that has continued for more than twenty five years. Her home was filled with warmth. She crocheted the coziest blankets and prepared meals that gathered everyone around the table. Her Taco Pie and her Pasta Shells were legendary and could easily cause a playful division in the house over which one deserved the crown. No matter which side you chose, you left full and loved. She was preceded in the afterlife by her parents Woodrow and Ana Mae Pegues, her son Keith Pegues, her sisters Anita Alexander and Patricia Cruise, her best friend Deborah "Munie", her goddaughter Jamesia Dottin, her in laws James W. Sr. and Delores Simmons, her sister in law Roslyn Turner, her nephew Samuel Coleman, and her niece Michelle Turner. Her spirit will live on in every shared story, every echo of laughter, and every act of love inspired by her example. We will forever carry her in our hearts. Ms. Janice Marie Simmons, 73, of Snellville, GA passed on Saturday, January 24, 2026. Celebration of Life Services (LIVESTREAM) https://vimeo.com/event/5748273 will be held on Friday, February 27, 2026 at 1:00 PM at Gregory B. Levett & Sons Funeral Home, Gwinnett Chapel 914 Scenic Hwy., Lawrenceville, GA 30045. Please express your condolences here on our website. Services entrusted to Gregory B. Levett & Sons Funeral Home, Gwinnett Chapel 914 Scenic Hwy., Lawrenceville, GA 30045. 770-338-5558 The Celebration of Life Service for Janice Marie Simmons will be held on Friday, February 27, 2026 at 1:00 PM. This service will be recorded and streamed live. If the event is interrupted at any time due to technical issues, the entire event will be uploaded and available to view within 24 hrs. Please copy and paste the link to share, or simply click on the link to view the event. https://vimeo.com/event/5748273

Tributes

Mrs. Janice Marie Simmons

April 21, 1952 - January 24, 2026