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.
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