Jo Nell Simmons

She was a native of Madison County and graduated from Crawford High School. She has resided in Athens since 1948. Jo Nell worked at Champion DairyPak for 40-plus years where she gained lifelong friends. Jo Nell delighted in cooking and baking for her family and dressing up for events. She especially enjoyed her monthly ladies club and Tuesday morning breakfasts at Cracker Barrel with her friends. She was a member of Young Harris Methodist Church.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Bessie and Grover Hancock and brother, Dennis Hancock.

Survivors include her devoted and loving husband of 68 years, J.D. (Johnny) Simmons; daughter, Joan and son-in-law, Phil Sims of Comer; son, David Simmons of Tignall; daughter, Cheryl and son-in-law, Sidney Walker of Rayle; son, Rex and daughter-in-law, Tonya Simmons of Athens. Jo Nell was blessed with 12 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren and two great-great grandchildren.

The family will receive friends Monday, March 27 from 3:30-5 p.m. at Bernstein Funeral Home.

Funeral services will be held Monday, March 27 at 5 p.m. at the chapel of Bernstein Funeral Home. Interment will follow at Evergreen Memorial Park. Pallbearers will be her grandsons: David, Clifton, Philip, Trent and Taylor and her grandson-in-law, Cody. Honorary pallbearers will be her breakfast club and Christian Women’s Club.

Online condolences may be offered at www.bernsteinfuneralhome.com.

Bernstein Funeral Home and Cremation Service is in charge of arrangements.