Brenda Jean Simmons, age 85, of the South Toe Community went Home to join the Lord on Thursday, January 29, 2025 at Blue Ridge Regional Hospital. She was a daughter of the late Vaughn and Vivian Gouge Allen. She was also preceded in death by her husband, Howard Simmons; and one brother, Vaughn E. Allen, Jr.
Brenda graduated from St. Stephen High in Hickory, then moved to Yancey County and started a family with Howard Simmons. Together they built a successful business, as Brenda was the bookkeeper, payroll and tax prep for the business. At home, the yard is a haven for deer, squirrel, turkeys and all wonderful birds that she fed and watched each day. Brenda was a camper at heart. She and Howard had camped for 60 years. Having traveled for the last 22 years and stayed in Florida for the winter, she and Howard loved going to bluegrass music festivals. She enjoyed taking care of her family, was a wonderful baker and an avid reader. Brenda loved to quilt and made her family one for every special occasion. She loved to play cards with a group of friends each week. Brenda was a member of White Oak Creek Independent Baptist Church in the South Toe Community. Brenda sang with the church choir for many years. She loved her family and church family.
Left to cherish her memory are her two sons: Jeff Simmons of South Toe and Andy Simmons (Angie) of Lincolnton; grandson, Lance Simmons (Emily) of Newport News, VA; sister, Deborah L. Autrey of South Toe; and brother, John H. Allen (Linda) of Greensboro.
A Celebration of Life will be held at 2 p.m. on Sunday, February 2nd, 2025 at White Oak Creek Independent Baptist Church. Officiating the service will be Rev. Charles Carroll and Rev. C.J. Robinson. The family will receive friends one hour prior to the service at the church. A private family service will be held in the Simmons Family Cemetery at a later date.
In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to White Oak Creek Independent Baptist Church at 1956 White Oak Creek Road, Burnsville, NC 28714.
To send online condolences, please visit our website at www.yanceyfuneralservice.com.
