She was a beloved mother, grandmother, and wife.
For 20 years, she dedicated her heart and compassion to her work as a middle school counselor at Brookstone School, guiding countless students with patience, kindness, and wisdom. Her ability to listen deeply and care unconditionally left a lasting mark on everyone who knew her.
Outside of her work, she poured her love into her family—her children and grandchildren were her greatest joy. She found happiness in simple pleasures: baking Christmas cookies and cakes with her family, sewing clothes and costumes, painting beautiful scenes, tending to her garden, or creating something special with her woodworking and building skills.
She loved the ocean and everything about it—snorkeling among colorful fish, boating on sunny days, casting a line to fish, or simply walking along the beach. The sea was her place of peace and joy, especially when she could share it with her family.
Her warmth, creativity, and generosity of spirit will be deeply missed, but the love she gave will continue to live on in all whose lives she touched.
She is survived by her son, Matt Simmons, and his son, Andrew Simmons, and Matt’s wife Amanda, and their children, Landon, and Logan, her son, Adam Simmons, and his wife Lesley, their children Aden, Evan, and Kalen, her daughter, Melanie Powell, and her husband Clint, and their children Darcy, Katie, and Josie, her husband Tripp Brown, and his son Ryan Brown, wife Kasey, and their children Noah and Ethan, Tripp's daughter Heather and her husband Steven, and their children PJ and Elayna.
A funeral service will be held at Striffler-Hamby Mortuary - Columbus, in the Fisher Chapel, located at 4071 Macon Rd, Columbus, Georgia, 31907. The service is scheduled for October 28, 2025, starting at 11:00 am.
In lieu of flowers, the family would like to request donations be made to the American Cancer society.
