SHELBY- Dr. Aldonna Ra Simmons, 69, passed away Wednesday, May 25, 2016 at Wendover Hospice. Born in Salina, Kansas, she grew up in Deland, FL. She was the daughter of the late William and Edna Painter Searles. She was a member of Shelby Presbyterian Church where she loved her church choir. She was the retired Dean with the School of Education at Gardner-Webb University. Prior to her duties at Gardner-Webb University, she worked for the Department of Public Instruction, ensuring that every institution in the state that offered a degree in Education met the state standards. She loved her husband beyond measure, he was the love of her life, and she also loved Elvis and adored her three cats. Her beloved husband stated "the world is a better place having her being here". She never met a stranger.
SURVIVED: she is survived by her husband, James Simmons of the home; one brother, Michael Searles of Newland, NC; her three beloved cats, Kate, Allie, and Rosie.
SERVICES: A funeral service will be held, 11 am Saturday, June 4th at Shelby Presbyterian Church and the family will receive friends after the service.
VISITATION: The family will receive friends before the internment 10-11:30 am Tuesday at Clay-Barnette Funeral Home of Shelby.
Interment: will be at the States Veteran Cemetery in Black Mountain.
CLERGY: Dr. Luke Harkey and Dr. Tracy Jessup will officiate.
MEMORIALS: In lieu of flowers, the family ask the memorials may be made to Shelby Presbyterian Church, 226 E Graham St, Shelby, NC 28150, Gardner-Webb University, 110 S Main St, Boiling Springs, NC 28017, Hospice of Cleveland County, 951 Wendover Heights Dr. Shelby, NC 28150, Cleveland County Humane Society, 1609 E Marion St, Shelby, NC 28150 or Dr. Mosleys Hope Chest, Hope's Chest Inc. 1042 Sam Lattimore Rd. Shelby, NC 28152 http://www.hopeschestinc.org/donations which helps with the medical needs of homeless animals in Cleveland County, N.C. and surrounding areas.
FUNERAL HOME: Clay-Barnette Funeral Home of Shelby
ONLINE CONDOLENCES: www.claybarnette.com |
