Ruth Estelle Knowles Simmons, 96, celebrated her homegoing
on March 13, 2023, after a brief illness.
She was born to Jordan and Aldah Knowles on December 23, 1926, in Floyd
Co. Virginia.
She married her love, Vernon B. Simmons, on October 23,
1950, and was a devoted wife for 63 years. They began married life in southwest
Virginia but soon found their way to Pineville, WV, where they lived for over
thirty-five years. In their retirement years, they moved to Princeton, WV, to
be close to physicians and medical facilities that they did not want to go to
in the first place.
Begrudgingly, in April 2022, Mom made her final move to
Pineview Assisted Living in South Hill, VA. Foremost, she was a dedicated homemaker, her favorite title,
but served in the school cafeteria, as a retail store clerk, and retired as an
insurance company secretary. Throughout
her years, she was an avid seamstress, making many sets of clothing and costumes
for her children and grandchildren, and most recently being part of a sewing
group at church, crafting dresses and shorts for children in impoverished
countries. She spent many hours in the kitchen cooking and baking as there was
never a time when she did not have, not one, but several sweet treats ready to
be eaten. Her hands were perpetually busy gardening, doing yard work, and
always serving others. These servant
hands were never idle and were instrumental in discipline but abounding in
infinite love. She was the hands and feet of Jesus, always serving others above
herself. While in Pineville, she
tirelessly served in many capacities as a member of Cook Memorial Baptist
Church. Most recently, she was a member
of First Baptist Church of Princeton.
She was preceded in death by her loving husband, Vernon B.
Simmons; her parents, Aldah and Jordan Knowles; a brother, Walter R. Knowles;
sister, Patsy K. Akers; and niece, Karen S. Hammond.
She is survived by her two children, Kevin Wynn Simmons
(Rachel) of Watkinsville, Georgia and Camela Simmons Williams (James) of
Kenbridge, VA.; and grandchildren, Michael Williams –Milwaukee, WI, Luke
Simmons –Washington, D.C., Elisabeth Simmons Quillian (Matthew)-Salem, OR,
Janna Williams Johnson (Kyle)-Midlothian, VA, and John Mark Simmons–Henderson,
NV.
She is also survived by niece, Dianne Knowles Beck (Joe);
and nephews, Larry Knowles (Sandy) and Barry Simmons (Janice) along with loving
relatives and friends who remember her
as a selfless woman who knew how to put a smile on others’ faces with her quick
wit and loving service.
Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Saturday,
March 18, 2023 in the Maberry Funeral Home Chapel with Pastor Angela Carr
officiating. Interment will follow in Jacksonville Cemetery. The family will
receive friends from 10 a.m. until 11 a.m. prior to the service at the funeral
home.
In lieu of flowers, please consider donations in memorial to
Pineview Assisted Living Facility, 621 Academy Lane, South Hill VA 23970.
