Julian Alzie Ramsey

Julian Alzie Ramsey

Julian, born in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania on July 8, 1966, was the eldest son of two children to the late Alzie E. Ramsey and Mozella Ramsey (nee-Hurst). On February 1, 2024, after braving an illness, Julian heard God Whisper, “Peace Be Thine”, and he entered his eternal rest. 

At an early age Julian accepted Christ as a Member of National Temple Baptist Church of Philadelphia, where he was baptized. He had a lifetime of great memories as a youth practicing his faith through adulthood.

Julian received his formal education in the School District of Philadelphia attending Dunbar Elementary School, John Wanamaker, Jr. Middle School, and in the graduating class of 1984 from Benjamin Franklin High School. During his high school years, Julian also participated in the Upward Bound Program on Temple University’s Campus while securing part-time employment with the Philadelphia Office Social Security Administration. Following his high school graduation, Julian enrolled at Temple University as a full-time matriculating student, with a major in criminal justice. To earn additional funds, Julian was a part-time employee with Prudential Insurance AARP Program, in Horsham, PA.  He became the first African American Vice President for Alpha Chi Rho Fraternity and the first African American President for Alpha Chi Rho on the Ambler Campus of Temple University. He obtained a Paralegal Certificate from Montgomery County Community College and studied Probate Law at Ashworth College. Julian had many friends, but he spoke highly of college roommates John Terrizzi, Jr., and Jeff Levy along with longtime friend David Flipping whom Julian met while employed with Prudential Insurance Company.

 As a youth, Julian was introduced to the Masonic Order. He was a 32nd degree Mason with Prince Hall Grand Lodge, Philadelphia, Pennsylvania joining many houses. He was a member of Cephas 98 PHA; Blue, Red and Purple Houses; Amen Ra Temple No. 158, Chris J. Perry #965 Improved, Benevolent; United Grand Commandery George J Conyers, holding the position as Senior Warden; Chose Friends 528-Holy Royal Arch, Martin L. King Consistory #86, Ambler; John G. Grantham Council #8; Evening Star #53 Chapter, Order of Eastern Star; and the American Legion Post 246. His mancave was also a library to 30 Masonic books which he actively read leaving posted notations of thoughts.

Julian enlisted into the United States Navy, March 15, 1995. During his four years of service, Julian was the recipient of the National Defense Service Medal Meritorious Unit Commendation, stationed on USS John C. Stennis (CVN-74) at Norfolk, Virginia. After serving his country, Julian was employed with McCabe, Weisberg & Conway LLC. He was service connected.

Julian married his best friend Michelle, May 11, 2019. The couple enjoyed hosting gatherings of family and friends, especially those summer barbecues. Julian enjoyed the quiet scenic neighborhood which he and Michelle made their home. He could be found seated on the front porch offering round the clock town watch services, leaving discarded vegetable stalks for the wildlife that pranced daily through the backyard, and would gather branches for Michelle to kindle wood for the fireplace on cold winter days. Admiring and supporting his wife’s many creative hobbies of gardening, baking, and especially her knitting. Julian was “the guardian” retrieving over 150 knitted items that had been delivered to their home from The Liberty Bell Knitting Guild and Ladies of the Knit and the Hooker Auxiliary groups, which Michelle is a member. Julian would sometimes assist with staging the knitted items for photographing and posting on Facebook. The special holiday delivery was for the families temporarily housed at Stenton Family Manor. While watering the outdoor plants and vegetables, Julian would assess and inform Michelle the four-legged neighbors had a late-night buffet event the tomato plants and the Hostas, “The deer need nourishment too, so they can eat my share of vegetables”. He especially enjoyed the holiday season of Christmas decorations and eating delights of cakes, pies and cookies prepared by Michelle. Julian was an avid reader of James Patterson’s books, as well as a television watcher of crime documentaries such as Investigation Discovery, and Oxygen True Crime. Sports was another outlet enjoyed by Julian consisting of the Philadelphia teams, Temple University Men’s Basketball, Philadelphia 76ers, Phillies Baseball Team, but somewhere in his childhood there was a situation of Julian becoming a diehard Dallas Cowboys Fan! He could always be found in his Dallas Cowboy décor mancave snacky on junk food (Skittles, Sour Patch Kids, Now and Later, Oreo cookies, Snickers candy, etc.) often sneaking bags into the home by way of Amazon, Target, or Wal-Mart deliveries. 

June 29 of 2022, Julian officially joined Mu Beta Phi Military Fraternity, Inc. Royal Court, Mu Line. June 3, 2023, Michelle officially joined Goddess Court-Alpha Chapter Phi Nu Alpha Military Spouses Sorority, Inc. Together they represented the Tri-State area of the brotherhood and sisterhood to service veterans, active duty, and their families, dedicated to offering resources and supporting the residents of neighboring communities through service. Michelle will continue service and carry Julian’s seabag.

Julian leaves to cherish his memory: wife Michelle M. Heyward-Ramsey, son Steven McFarland; brother Noble Ramsey, sister-in-law Kendra; brother-in-law Fred “Butch” Heyward; sister-in-law Susan Pawloski Laird Heyward; nephew Jesse Ramsey along with a host of family and friends.