Nancy Simmons

Nancy Sue (Jones) Simmons, 86, died Friday, February 27, 2015. Nancy was born in Fayette County, Connersville, IN, the only child of Ernest Frederick Jones, MD and Ruth Marie (McCormick) Jones; both deceased. She is proceeded in death by her only husband Kenneth Adison Simmons who passed in 2004. They were married for 55 years. Together they had four children. They are survived by one son, Matthew Leslie and his wife, Lisa Saulnier Simmons; and three daughters, Cynthia Sue and her husband, Edward Duane and their son, Kevin Simmons Hine; Molly Marie and her husband, Timothy Gene and their sons, Jason Alan and Robert Adam Sproles; and Libby Kay Simmons.

Nancy lived in many different places throughout her lifetime. When she was a child, her father’s career took her from Marion, Indiana to Dayton, Ohio where she attended Theodore Roosevelt High School. There she excelled academically and earned a membership into the National Honor Society. Nancy was also very musical and excelled as a flutist. When she graduated in 1945, she accepted a musical scholarship to Otterbein College in Westerville, OH. During her years at Otterbein, she was a member of Epsilon Kappa Tau (Arbutus Club) Sorority, the Alpha Rho Tau Civic Art Club, and the Pi Kappa Delta National Honorary Society. She was also recognized in Who’s Who in American University in 1948. She graduated with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1949. Nancy met her husband Ken while in college and after her graduation they married and began a journey that took them on many great adventures together. Initially they set up housekeeping just outside of Otterbein’s campus so Ken could finish his degree which he completed in 1950. Nancy worked as an art teacher where she had the distinction of becoming the first-ever traveling art teacher for the Franklin County school system in the Westerville City school district. Ken’s career moved them to Hampton, VA, Battle Creek, MI, Dayton, OH and finally to Woodbridge, VA. In 1982 they retired to the Piankatank Shores in Hartfield, VA. At each one of her life’s little stops, Nancy found ways to serve her community while pursuing her own interests of sewing, lifeguarding, swimming and golfing. When she wasn’t teaching, or helping with her children’s interests, she could be found organizing neighborhood activities. She was known to start bridge clubs, gourmet clubs and hobby clubs, then move from the area, leaving those she left behind to continue on with the activities. She would always make new friends, while keeping the old. For many years she maintained a membership at the Central Presbyterian Church in Moraine, OH. She was a choir member and worked as the chairman of their then-annual fund raiser; The Bazaar. While in Dayton, she hosted neighborhood caroling parties and often had a New Year’s Day celebration in her home. In retirement, whenever possible, Nancy served in a leadership capacity. She was a member of the Piankatank Shores Worship and Fellowship Group. She supported the Piankatank Shores Civic Association. She joined the American Legion Post 82 Woman’s Auxiliary. She enjoyed being a part of the Fit, Fun and Fabulous Red Hatters. She volunteered the first Tuesday of every month at the Lower Methodist Church in Hartfield, for the Middlesex Health Clinic. As an avid golfer she was honored with a lifetime membership to the Piankatank River Woman’s Golf Association. Her biggest thrills on the golf course came from not one, but two holes-in-ones!

She will long be remembered for her academic accomplishments and her many contributions to her neighborhood communities. She was a thoughtful daughter, a loving and caring wife and mother, and known to many for her steadfast advice. She raised her family and was the center of the home. She was a good friend to all who knew her. She will be missed. A memorial service will be held at 1pm, Saturday, March 14, 2015, at Lower United Methodist Church located at 120 Lower Church Road, Hartfield, VA 23071. Phone: 804-776-6250. Barry L. Burkholder will be officiating the service. Kathryn Paulette will provide the music. The service will be followed by a gathering of friends and family in the fellowship hall. Flowers may be sent to the church or memorials may be made to your favorite charity or to the Middlesex County Volunteer Rescue Squad Inc., P.O. Box 98, Deltaville, VA 23043. A private family graveside service will be held at Quantico National Veterans Cemetery.