Alice Chaires Simmons

Alice Chaires Simmons, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, went to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ, on Monday, March 31, 2025, at the age of 90. She was born on January 7, 1935, to E.B. Chaires, Sr. and Electra Stoutamire Chaires in the Chaires community, where she lived her entire life.

As a lifelong member of Chaires Methodist Church, Alice cherished worshipping with her church family. Her love for music shone through as she played the piano and sang in the church choir for many years. She was also an active participant in her community, having attended Chaires School through eighth grade and graduated from Leon High School. In her youth, Alice was known for her spirited nature—delivering newspapers by horseback, playing basketball, and engaging in various community activities.

In 1953, Alice married Billy Simmons, and together they raised four children. During their childhood years, Alice devoted herself to being a homemaker, and in her spare time, she enjoyed fishing and working in the yard. As her children grew older, she worked as an office manager first for Dr. Waldo Palmer and later for About Face Salon, where she remained until her retirement. In her retirement, Alice dedicated her time to being a loving and supportive grandmother.

Affectionately known as Puddin’, Aunt Puddin’, Mama, Grandma, Granny, and Gigi, Alice’s love and devotion to her family were unwavering. She was an incredible matriarch, and her warmth and wisdom will be cherished by all who knew her.

Alice is survived by her loving husband of 72 years, Billy Simmons; her children, Bruce Simmons, Randy Simmons, Electra Pacchioli (Sam), and Paul Simmons; her grandchildren, Randall Pacchioli (Kelly), Raina Harrison (Spencer), Jared Simmons, Allison Runkle (Matt), Haley Duke (Nate), Callie Anne Simmons, Paul Pacchioli (Sandra), and Shelley Cook (Mike); and seven great-grandchildren.

A funeral service to honor Alice’s life will be held at Chaires Methodist Church, 9243 Parkhill Road, Tallahassee, Florida, on Friday, April 4, 2025, from 10:00 a.m. to 11:00 a.m., with Pastor Brian Robertson officiating. Visitation will be one hour prior to the service. Graveside services and interment will follow at 12:00 noon at the Tallahassee National Cemetery, 5015 Apalachee Parkway, Tallahassee, Florida.

The family would like to extend their deepest gratitude to Big Bend Hospice for their compassionate care and support during this time. If you feel led, donations can be made to Big Bend Hospice, Inc., 1723 Mahan Center Blvd, Tallahassee, FL 32308, (850) 878-5310.

Alice’s memory will live on in the hearts of her family and all those whose lives she touched. The Lord is our Savior and our light and we are eternally grateful for the time He gave us with Alice.