Frances Smith Simmons

Mrs. Frances Smith Simmons, 87, of Mount Airy, widow of Gray Simmons, passed away Monday, November 25, 2013, at Northern Hospital of Surry County. Mrs. Simmons was born March 8, 1926, in Surry County, to the late Bert and Mary Midkiff Smith. She assisted her husband in the State Farm Insurance Agency in Mount Airy and was a faithful member of Flat Rock Baptist Church, where she sang in the choir, taught Sunday school, and served on various committees. Mrs. Simmons was a devoted mother, a caring grandmother and great-grandmother, and a wonderful friend and neighbor. Frances found love and joy as a homemaker, lovingly sharing her talents of making crafts, Christmas ornaments, and baking cakes for her family and friends. Left to cherish her loving memory are a daughter and son-in-law, Nancy Simmons McGee and Sam of Greensboro; two sons and daughters-in-law, Terry Simmons and Joyce of Mount Airy and Dan Simmons and Karla of Winston-Salem; eight grandchildren and their spouses, Mark McGee and Jamie, Chris McGee, Daniel McGee and Laurie, Scott Simmons and Lisa, Brad Simmons and Shannon, Kevin Simmons and Shannon, Christa DiBonaventura and John, and Joseph Simmons and Amy; thirteen great-grandchildren, Austin McGee, Carly McGee, Jake Christopher McGee, Dylan McGee, Christian McGee, Ava Grace McGee, Nick Simmons, Anna Simmons, Emma Simmons, Ryan Simmons, Jacob DiBonaventura, Sarah DiBonaventura, and Elliott Simmons; two stepgrandchildren, Jacob Golding and Charley Golding; a sister, Betty Lou Thompson of Rockwall, TX; and a brother and sister-in-law, James A. Smith and Betty Jean of Mount Airy. In addition to her husband and parents, Mrs. Simmons was preceded in death by a brother, Lewis Smith; and her stepfather, Grady Inman. The family will receive friends and family Friday from 11:00 AM until 12:00 PM at Flat Rock Baptist Church. The funeral service will be held 12:00 PM Friday, November 29, 2013, at Flat Rock Baptist Church, with Dr. Jon Cawley officiating. Burial will follow at Skyline Memory Gardens. Flowers will be accepted, or memorial contributions may be made to the Skilled Nursing Facility Activities Fund, 830 Rockford Street, Mount Airy, NC 27030; or Flat Rock Baptist Church, P.O. Box 587, Mount Airy, NC 27030. Moody Funeral Services in Mount Airy is serving the Simmons family.