1928
Viva
2014
Viva Sue Simmons
June 16, 1928 — May 8, 2014
Viva Sue Simmons
Brandon
Viva Sue Simmons, 85, passed away Thursday, May 8, 2014 at Wisteria Gardens in Pearl. Visitation is 2-5 pm Sunday at Ott and Lee Funeral Home in Brandon and 10 am Monday at Pinelake Church in Brandon. Services are 11 am Monday at the church with a 2:30 pm graveside at the Mississippi Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Newton.
In heaven's dictionary, right next to the word "marriage" is a picture of Viva and Billy Simmons. They began life together as young 21 year old newlyweds in 1950. The Korean War interrupted original plans and Billy began a 22 year military career, rising eventually to the rank of Colonel. Viva supported him as a faithful military wife through many moves and transfers while raising three kids. After his military career was over she continued to support him through a medical administration career, including twelve years as Director of the Mississippi Medicaid Program. During retirement they enjoyed the use of their motor home and following all of the sports teams at Billy's alma mater, Mississippi State. Viva will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by her wide circle of friends and family. Their almost 64 year marriage serves as an inspiration to all of what a great marriage can be.
Survivors include her husband, Billy F. Simmons of Brandon; daughter, Janice Lynn Clay (Scott) of Atlanta; sons, Barry Simmons (Colleen) of Brandon and Timothy Simmons (Francine) of Tampa, Florida; sister, Merian Bailey (Pete) of Brandon; brothers, Charles Shirley (Dorothy) of Pineville, Tommy Shirley (Betty) of Columbia, South Carolina and Harold Shirley (Velma) of Crystal Springs; grandchildren, Michelle Simmons Hartfield (Zane) of Petal, Jason Simmons of Baltimore, Maryland, Zachary Simmons (Alexis) of Lakeland, Florida, Alyssa Clay and Samantha Clay of Atlanta; great grandchildren, Ethan Hartfield and Lyla Simmons.
Brandon
Viva Sue Simmons, 85, passed away Thursday, May 8, 2014 at Wisteria Gardens in Pearl. Visitation is 2-5 pm Sunday at Ott and Lee Funeral Home in Brandon and 10 am Monday at Pinelake Church in Brandon. Services are 11 am Monday at the church with a 2:30 pm graveside at the Mississippi Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Newton.
In heaven's dictionary, right next to the word "marriage" is a picture of Viva and Billy Simmons. They began life together as young 21 year old newlyweds in 1950. The Korean War interrupted original plans and Billy began a 22 year military career, rising eventually to the rank of Colonel. Viva supported him as a faithful military wife through many moves and transfers while raising three kids. After his military career was over she continued to support him through a medical administration career, including twelve years as Director of the Mississippi Medicaid Program. During retirement they enjoyed the use of their motor home and following all of the sports teams at Billy's alma mater, Mississippi State. Viva will be lovingly remembered and deeply missed by her wide circle of friends and family. Their almost 64 year marriage serves as an inspiration to all of what a great marriage can be.
Survivors include her husband, Billy F. Simmons of Brandon; daughter, Janice Lynn Clay (Scott) of Atlanta; sons, Barry Simmons (Colleen) of Brandon and Timothy Simmons (Francine) of Tampa, Florida; sister, Merian Bailey (Pete) of Brandon; brothers, Charles Shirley (Dorothy) of Pineville, Tommy Shirley (Betty) of Columbia, South Carolina and Harold Shirley (Velma) of Crystal Springs; grandchildren, Michelle Simmons Hartfield (Zane) of Petal, Jason Simmons of Baltimore, Maryland, Zachary Simmons (Alexis) of Lakeland, Florida, Alyssa Clay and Samantha Clay of Atlanta; great grandchildren, Ethan Hartfield and Lyla Simmons.
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