Helen Louise Josey Simmons Obituary

DANVILLE - Helen Louise Josey Simmons, 85, of 732 Afton Road, died Saturday, Jan. 19, 2008 at her residence. She had been in declining health for two years.

Born May 14, 1922, in Cooleemee, N.C., she was the daughter of the late Herman O. Josey and the late Blanche Daniel Josey.

She had lived most of her life in Pittsylvania County and was a homemaker.

Mrs. Simmons was a member of Calvary Baptist Church on Edgewood Drive prior to becoming a member of North Main Baptist Church. While at Calvary, she taught Sunday school, was a member of the choir, and the ladies mission group.

She was married to the late E. Lynn Simmons; he died Dec. 7, 1992.

She is survived by two daughters, Lynn Simmons Furr and husband, Terry of Danville and Amanda Lynn Simmons of Danville; a brother, Herman O. Josey Jr., of Danville; a sister, Patsy Josey Setliff, of Danville; 15 grandchildren, Eric L. Simmons, Evan M. Simmons, Donna J. Tomer, Tina M. Farthing, Richard S. Holbrook, Lynzee S. Booth, Terri S. Lea, H.E. "Butch" Simmons, Robin S. Martin, Michelle Simmons Clauberg, Lisa F. Cockram, Michael Furr, Crystal F. Hopkins, Jessica M. Thornton, and Steven Miller; and 23 great-grandchildren.

In addition to her husband, she was predeceased by a son, E.H. "Pete" Simmons; one daughter, Lala Simmons Strader; and two brothers, Paul M. Josey and Fletcher Lee Josey.

The funeral will be held at 2 p.m. on Tuesday, Jan. 22 at the North Main Baptist Church with the Rev. Jason Barber and Rick Markham officiating. Interment will be in Danville Memorial Gardens.

The family will receive friends from 7 to 8:30 p.m. on Monday, Jan. 21 at North Main Baptist Church; at other times they will be at the residence.

Wrenn-Yeatts North Main Chapel is in charge of arrangements.

Published by Danville and Rockingham County from Jan. 20 to Jan. 21, 2008.