Wilma Jean Nave Simmons

AIKEN, SC - Wilma “Jean” Nave Simmons was born October 13, 1928, and passed away May 10, 2022 at the age of 93, at her daughter Becky’s home in Aiken, South Carolina. She was a loving wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother, and an active member of several Southern Baptist Churches during most of her life. She is preceded in death by her husband, Henry, her grandson, Scott Fuller, and son-in-law, Bill Magee. She lived a full life that included faith, love, and lots of laughter. Dementia took its toll, but her light did not go out. She rose to every moment, not letting a second go wasted. She loved to be on the go right up until the very end. Just in the last few weeks she was able to travel to see her brother Bob and his wife Janis, in Elizabethton, Tennessee, went to Boone and Blowing Rock, North Carolina, traveled the Blue Ridge Parkway, and visited her grandmother and grandfather’s house in Avery County, North Carolina. She was delighted to visit the old homestead that brought her so much joy and wonderful memories.

     Jean was born in Mansfield, Ohio, and grew up in Elizabethton, Tennessee. She graduated from Elizabethton High School, and studied art and design at East Tennessee State College and graduated from Steed College in Johnson City.  After marrying, she moved to Virginia with her husband Henry, where she raised her three children, Becky, Mike, and Kathryn, and was engaged in the church and community. Throughout her lifetime she led a Brownie troop, was the president of WMU, and taught the youth Sunday School class at Lebanon Baptist. Their home was filled with friends who frequently joined the family for dinner and special occasions. The door was always open, and everyone was welcomed.

     Jean had an entrepreneurial spirit with a flare for design, which led her to run her own business, Rebecca Fabrics and Custom Drapery in Lebanon, Virginia for many years. After retirement, she and Henry retired to Johnson City, Tennessee, and later moved on to Aiken, South Carolina to be close to their daughter Becky and her husband Bill.

     Jean is survived by one brother and sister-in-law, Robert and Janis Nave of Elizabethton, Tennessee; children, Becky Magee-Reid and husband David Reid of Aiken; Doctor Mike Simmons and his wife Beverly of Midlothian, Texas; Kathryn Mercer and husband Jim of Vancouver, Washington. She leaves behind four grandchildren, Andrew Todd Folden of Vancouver, Washington; Martha Simmons Harvey of Basking Ridge, New Jersey;  Marcus Simmons of Fort Worth, Texas, and Marybeth Simmons of Waxahachie, Texas; and six great-grandchildren.

     A special thanks to Becky Magee-Reid, loving daughter and caregiver, during Jean’s final years and time on this earth. 

     A memorial service will be held Saturday afternoon, May 22nd at 1 o'clock at Memorial Baptist Church with her son, The Rev. Dr. Mike Simmons officiating.

      In lieu of flowers, the family requests that you make a donation to mission endeavors, either in your own church, or to Hillcrest Baptist Church in Cedar Hill, Texas, 265 W. Pleasant Run Rd, Cedar Hill, Texas 75104.

SHELLHOUSE – RIVERS FUNERAL HOME, 715 EAST PINE LOG RD., AIKEN, SC