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Judith Jamison
1943 - 2024
Judith Jamison
1943 - 2024
Obituary
Guest Book
BORN
1943
DIED
2024
Judith Jamison Obituary
Judith Jamison was an acclaimed dancer and choreographer who eventually became artistic director of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, the famed modern dance company based in New York City.
We invite you to share condolences for Judith Jamison in our Guest Book.
Read the full obituary in Legacy's headline news section.
(Photo: Anthony Barboza/Getty Images)
34 Entries
Tony
March 7, 2025
To the family, many, many friends, colleagues and fans of this wonderful ballroom dancer Ms. Judith Jamison fine comfort with you during this difficult time in your lives. Ms. Judith Jamison was an acclaimed dancer and choreographer who eventually became artistic director of Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater, the famed modern dance company based in New York City. We hope many of the encouraging words and thoughts on this site comforts you during this difficult time also. We enjoyed her dancing and the many people to whom she brought much joy too. May you find comfort in your wealth of fond memories together with your dear loving friend Ms. Judith Jamison. May Almighty God in the Heavens comfort your hearts with peace and loving kindness as you cope with this precious loss in your lives. May her dancing and legacy keep her memory alive forever.
George Castion
February 27, 2025
I love and miss you!
Kim Nannette Brown
December 20, 2024
Seeing Ms Jamison at the Minskoff building when I was a Scholarship Certificate Student and she came into the class to watch us with Mr Ailey and I couldn't move because I became so in Awe looking at the both of them!! Rest in Power Judith! You and Mr Ailey will be making a different kind of Revelations now!! Another Angel has her Wings and is now Resting in the Arms of the King
Ted Miller
December 11, 2024
Baila Mi Herna, baila para mi!
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Helen Summers
December 8, 2024
I have always admired my cousin's regal bearing on and off stage. But, I am most proud of her accomplishments as the Director of the Ailey company.
Toni Jones
December 7, 2024
Because of Judith Jamison my life of dance is greatly enriched. Peace and blessings to Jamison family.
Jennifer Bennett
December 7, 2024
A few years ago, I called Philadanco and was fortunate enough to speak with the legendary Miss Jameson. Her graceful spirit and unwavering commitment to preserving the studio's legacy were truly inspiring. Give thanks for one of Philadelphia´s finest.
December 3, 2024
Godspeed my fair lady
Lisa Summers
November 29, 2024
My mom and Judy are first cousins, and I was still star struck in her presence. But her warmth, down-to-earth personality, and generosity of spirit always made my heart smile. She is sorely missed by her family, but feeling blessed that she is at peace..
Davis Family
November 28, 2024
We send our heartfelt condolences and sympathy to the family of Judith Jamison. May your treasured good memories provide comfort for you always. She will be missed by all who loved her and those she mentored.
Ms. Jamison, we are thankful you shared your many talents in dance and choreography. You positively influenced the lives of many people. Your international award-winning achievements in the arts are an inspiration to many.
May prayers strengthen you and God´s loyal love comfort and sustain you always. Psalm 23
Wanda Mitcham
November 27, 2024
Loved your works. Such a beautiful and strong dancer. Thank you.
John Jamison
November 26, 2024
To the world, she was a groundbreaking dancer, choreographer and celebrity. To me, she Aunt Judy.
Robert Summers
November 22, 2024
I will always love my cousin. I especially loved her presence on stage. She brought a lot of joy and wonder to many who saw her perform.
Juanda Myles
November 22, 2024
Fondly remembered, Sorely missed.
Dyan Smith
November 22, 2024
I met her when I was a student at OSU. Very elegant, poised, beautiful. Made me feel proud that I was 5´10. Beautiful heart. Love her.
Pilar Newsome
November 21, 2024
MS. Jamison,
We talked in Philly, across the street from the College. I have admired you for decades. My older Cousin Eleanor, a tap teacher at Ailey, had me in the dressing room at the Times Square location (right next door to A CHORUS LINE) while everyone was getting changed. I was so grateful to meet the company in person. Mr. Ailey walked throughout the building in his socks.
I raised my children a half block from where you were
raised -- on Pomona Street. I love you, Queen. I'll be dancing with you all in Heaven some day. Rise in POWER, my beautiful sister.
Love,
Pilar
Clover Mathis
November 21, 2024
I met Judy when I joined Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater in December 1971. She was in the costume room of the 59th Street studio, getting the skirt that she wore in "Cry" adjusted. Alvin introduced me to her and she said, "Hi, Clover!" I always thought of her as my big New York terpsichorean/spiritual sister. I thank her for her example of a-list artistry, technique, musicality, extraordinary stage presence; and for the dinners that I shared with her, Dudley, and Estelle Spurlock following each night´s performance in Avignon, France in the summer of 1974. I imagine she, Alvin, Dudley, Kelvin, Estelle, Mari, Miguel, Loretta, Consuelo, and the other gone members of AAADT are rehearsing and coaching the angels in God´s heavenly company.
Lynn Killam
November 21, 2024
I saw Judith dance many times in the late 70´s when she would perform Cry and Revelations. She moved me so much. I loved her.
Mary Lyons
November 19, 2024
Judith was pure poetry as a dancer whose artistic expressions will never be forgotten. She was beauty personified. She will be Heaven's principal dancer❤
Deborah B Hopkins
November 19, 2024
While in high-school or early years in college, I had the opportunity to see Ms. Jamison perform The Acclaimed "Cry" solo choreographedfor her by Alvin
Ailey. Every year i go to Aileys season at City Center. I hot the opportunity to meet and chat with her in Newark at the NJPAC. SHE WILL BE MISSEF BY ALL
Deborah Steen
November 19, 2024
Thank you for giving those of us who never thought we could do even a little of what you did hope and accomplishment. You will be sorely missed❣
Mr. Jr.
November 17, 2024
My condolences.
RA
November 17, 2024
Watching her dance was pure poetry in motion. Her performance of "Cry" was truly a classic. Simply beautiful to see. Sincere sympathies to the Jamison family. So very sorry for your loss. May God strengthen and comfort you at such a difficult time.
Elbert Watson
November 17, 2024
Elbert Watson I had the privilege of dancing with and sometimes partnering Judith I learned much about professional dance integrity and ethics from her example
TRINITY AC.
November 16, 2024
I will always remember how she inspired my dancing, having never met her. I connect with her excellence and divine placement in this wonderful art. She was a staple in dance history. She is!
carolyn pascall
November 15, 2024
I was her stylist and we became very close I also use to clean for her and cat sit as well. Judy as she prefer to be called was an amazing person. She helped my daughter Deneka Maile and I so much. She paid her school tuition and brought us food on many occasions. Her kindness never stopped there she encouraged me to tape my career to the next level and helped me in opening my Cosmetology Program in my Country Antigua. She was like a mother to me her advices were priceless her hugs were always warm and encouraging. I am going to miss you Judy. Your Former Hair Stylist Carolyn Burns-Pascall from Brooklyn. RIP YOU WERE TRULY A KIND HEARTED PERSON.
Barbara M. Anderson
November 15, 2024
My dear Judith, you are & have been a gift that will keep on giving. We are all dancing CRY IN OUR Hearts.
Veronica Sparks
November 15, 2024
Judith Jameson was a true pioneer & GIFT FROM GOD ON EARTH.
Her BEAUTIFUL MOVEMENTS in CRY, She gave me a sense of keep going, never give up. I loved her spirit & how her presence made every room light up with her GENEROUS KINDNESS.
I kept a LARGE PHOTO OF HER OVER MY ROOM WALL IN COLLEGE & BEYOND.
LOVE YOU Judith Jameson, Rest in peace well done with the LOVE OF JESUS.AMEN.
JAUNAE JONES
November 14, 2024
Rest in Heaven dear Friend. You will truly be forever present in my heart.
Garnetta Orlina
November 14, 2024
I remember her performance “Cry”. Rest in His Glory Judith. Well done.
RA
November 12, 2024
A beautiful, graceful and talented dancer. It was always a pleasure and a joy to watch her dance. She set the bar so high. In a class by herself. Her presence will be missed. Deepest condolences to the Jamison family. May God be with you in your time of loss.
RR
November 12, 2024
An incredible dancer and choreagrapher that became a director of the famed Alvin Ailey Dance Theater. She had an amazing career and brought such life to dancing. Sincere condolences to the Jamison family, so very sorry for your loss. May God be help you in your time of loss.
Mitzi ADAMS
November 11, 2024
Judith was a guest choreographer at Temple University in the early 80's when I first worked with her. She was going to start a company in Philly at the time, but plans shifted for her to go back to NYC. I was privileged to have been able to learn her piece, "American Suite," which she set on the students while in residency. She was so passionate and energetic! She attended one of our concerts and afterward told me, "you're a good little dancer!" I'll never forget those words. I went on to start my own company, and have had a handful of Ailey dancers work with me, and all of them just loved her. She was a great role model, and a legacy of our generation. She will be greatly missed! "Cry" -ing at her loss. With love and condolences to her family... Mitzi Adams
Showing 1 - 34 of 34 results
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