Julia Mae Sidney Goldston
Julia Mae Sidney Goldston, a retired TVA employee, peacefully transitioned from her earthly life on June 5, 2024 surrounded by her loving family. She was 81 years old, and the joy in everyone's life.
Julia was born on July 9, 1942, in Georgetown, Ky., to the union of the late Rochelle S. Sidney and Thelma Roberta Wilson-Sidney. Upon her parent's and grandmother’s passing, her mother's sister, Fannie Wilson Norris and her husband Rubin, accepted the role in raising Julia as their very own.
Julia was a 1960 graduate of Paul Laurence Dunbar High School in Lexington, Ky., where she was a cheerleader and known as a social butterfly amongst her peers. Upon completion of high-school, Julia attended West Kentucky Vocational School in Paducah, Ky., where she met the love of her life, Jimmy Goldston. Julia later received her certificate of completion as an administrative assistant from West Kentucky and later married her husband Jimmy in 1964. Julia and Jimmy planted their roots in Tennessee and began their Chattanooga story. Chattanooga is also where she began her career as one of the first Black secretaries at Tennessee Valley Authority. She retired from TVA after 30+ years of employment.
Julia also had a love for children, and shortly after retirement she worked as a teacher’s aide for The Hamilton County School System (Mary Ann Garber & Hilcrest Elementary). She retired after 10 years of service.
Julia was preceded in death by her parents, Rochelle and Thelma Roberta Sidney, sister, Carolyn Sidney Spears, aunt, Fannie Wilson Norris, uncle, Rubin Norris and a host of aunts, uncles and cousins.
Her beautiful life will forever be cherished by her loving husband of 59 years, Jimmy A. Goldston, devoted daughter, Robyn Goldston-Johnson of Chattanooga, TN, son, Jonathan Goldston of LaVergne, TN; grandchildren, Jared Goldston of Oahu, HI, Jeffery Johnson, Jr. of Atlanta, GA, and Miriam Goldston of Antioch, TN; uncles, Julian (Anna) Wilson of Midway, KY and LaRue Mosley of Lexington, KY; aunts, Marzee Wilson-Ingram and Ella Wilson-Clay, both of Lexington, KY; nieces, Sybil (Barry) Burton and Rosalind Downey, both of Georgetown, KY; special cousin/sisters, Edith Robinson, Virginia Grimes, Donna Newby and Karen Sylvester, all of Lexington, KY.
Public viewing will be held from 10 a.m.-12 p.m. on Saturday, June 15, at Stanley United Methodist Church, 501 Dodson Ave., Chattanooga, Tn. 37404, followed by a funeral service at 12 p.m.
Following the service, the interment will be held at Lakewood Memorial Garden East located at 4621 Shallowford Road, Chattanooga, Tn. 37411.
The family requests that funeral attendees wear shades of green, which was her favorite color.
Arrangements are by John P. Franklin Funeral Home, 1101 Dodds Ave., 423 622-9995.