Obituaries

Joanne Marie Simmons, 80 of Cox’s Mills, WV; departed this earthly life peacefully in the late evening hours of Thursday, February 23, 2023 at the home of her daughter in Cox’s Mills, with her loving family by her side.

She was born, June 22, 1942 in Ashland, OH; daughter of the late Thelma Good Nelson Campbell.

Joanne is a graduate of Savannah High School (Ashland County, OH), class of 1960. Soon thereafter she met the love of her life Edgar “Eddie Doc” Simmons. Joanne and Eddie moved to WV in 1973 where they raised their 4 children. She was employed for many years with the Gilmer County Board of Education as a Teacher’s Aid. She also owned and operated a store in Cox’s Mills called Simmons Country Corner and she was a member of the Cox’s Mills CEO’s.

Joanne and Eddie enjoyed riding on the Goldwing motorcycle with friends, traveling to every state east of the Mississippi. Joanne enjoyed watching her soap operas and any game shows. But the most important events of her life was any time she could spend with her children, grandchildren and family. Joanne was a loving mother not only to her children but like a mother to Marvin “Dink” and Shirley “Sweet Pea” Simmons, Rick Moore, Todd Burton, Lesa Kirkley, Debbie Matherly, Jimbo Moore, and many others.

On April 7, 1961 Joanne was united in marriage to Edgar L. “Eddie Doc” Simmons, who preceded her in death on September 29, 2007.

From that union, 4 children survive, Debra Simmons and companion Todd Burton of Cox’s Mills, Dan Simmons and wife Suzanne of Cox’s Mills, Steve Simmons and wife Crystal of Waxhax, NC; and Scott Simmons and wife Laura of Cox’s Mills, 6 grandchildren,  Olivia Kirchberg, Andrew “Drew” Simmons, Hannah Simmons Smith (Nicholas), Tessa Simmons, Raegan Simmons, and Cade Simmons, and a great-grandson Jeremiah Lewis and his father Stephen, and 5 step-grandchildren, Jeyska Cottrill Summers, Amy Cottrill Dinaldo, Nicholas Junkins, Branson Hitt, and Erika-Lynn Davis Lockhart (Mitchell).

Also surviving are 2 siblings, Betty Gosnell and husband Bob and Bill Nelson and wife Diane, both of Ashland, OH; and numerous, nieces, nephews, cousins, and many other wonderful family and friends.

Along with her mother (Thelma) and husband (Eddie Doc), Joanne is preceded in death by 3 siblings, Hazel Rook, David Nelson, and Dorothea “Tudy” Wetzel.

A funeral service will be conducted at the Ellyson Mortuary, Inc., 2 Vanhorn Drive, Glenville, WV; 26351 at 2:00 PM; Tuesday, February 28, 2023 with Pastor Bryan Groves officiating. Burial will follow in the Troy IOOF Cemetery in Troy, WV. Friends will be received from 12:00 – 2:00 Tuesday at the mortuary in Glenville.

In lieu of flowers the family request memorial contributions be made to either West Virginia Caring, P.O. Box 760, Arthurdale, WV; 26520 or Cox’s Mills Community Building Fund c/o Sharon Zinn, 8667 WV Hwy 47 W., Cox’s Mills, WV 26342 in honor of Joanne.

Ellyson Mortuary, Inc., is honored to assist the family of Joanne Marie Simmons with burial arrangements.