Beatrice Shoaf Simmons

Beatrice Shoaf Simmons, 98 years young, went to be with the Lord, Sunday March 21, 2010, surrounded by her family. Mrs. Bea was born December 27, 1911, in Cooleeme, the oldest daughter of Gene and Gertie Shoaf. Mrs. Bea is survived by two sisters, Virginia Tate of Linwood and Betty Overcash of Rockwell; and one brother, Clay Shoaf of Salisbury. She was preceded in death by a sister, Ruby Shoaf; and her brothers, Walter and Baxter. Also, preceding her in death was her great-granddaughter, Gabrielle. In 1933, she married Ralph O. Simmons, who preceded her in death in 1980. Two sons were born to them, Ralph, Jr., on his father's birthday, and Don, both of Kannapolis. Ralph, Jr. married Dottie Penninger and they have two sons, Eric and wife Cindy and Scott and wife Teresa Simmons. Don married Kay Butzen and they have two sons, Matthew and wife Vivi and Michael. Scott and Teresa have three sons, Jacob, Josh and Zachery. Eric and Cindy have two sons, Alex and Nick. Mrs. Bea was a blessing to her family, whom she loved dearly, and to everyone who knew her. She was a wonderful mother, grandmother, great-grandmother and homemaker. She worked full time at Cannon Mills until retirement. Mrs. Bea was a longtime member of Mt. Mitchell United Methodist Church, where she served as a Sunday School teacher, sang in the choir and served in her circle. Funeral services will be held at 2 p.m. Wednesday, March 24, 2010 at Mt. Mitchell United Methodist Church. The Rev. Robert Silber and the Rev. J. Marion Fulk, Sr. will officiate. Interment will follow in the church cemetery. The body will be placed in the church 30 minutes prior to the service. Pallbearers will be Scott Simmons, Eric Simmons, Michael Simmons, Charles Simmons, Kenneth Shoaf, Jacob Rodgers, Josh Hughes and Ronnie Barnhardt. The family will receive friends from 6 to 8 pm. Tuesday, March 23 at Lady's Funeral Home. At other times, they will be at the home of Ralph Simmons, Jr. in Kannapolis. Flowers are appreciated or memorials may be sent to Mt. Mitchell United Methodist Church, 6001 Old Salisbury-Concord Road, Kannapolis, NC 28083.