Gladys Reaves Simmons

ALTON, VA Gladys Reaves Simmons, widow of Clarence Elliott Simmons, went to her heavenly home July 18, 2017. She was preceded in death by her parents Jesse Finch Reaves and Virgie Garrett Reaves and her husband of seventy years Clarence Elliott Simmons.She was also preceded in death by her two brothers, four sisters, her grandson Dwight Dean Roberts and two great grandchildren.She is survived by her daughters Jerrell Simmons Morton (Ken) of Burkeville, VA and Faye Simmons Edmonds of Sandston, VA and Austin, TX.She is also survived by three sisters, Mary Irby and Joyce Moore of South Boston, VA and Hilda Thomas of Talbot, TN, as well as numerous grandchildren, more numerous great-grandchildren and great-great grandchildren.She was a long time member of Alton Baptist Church, where she spent many hours in service.Anyone who knows her knows that she probably has fed more preachers and their families than anyone.Her family, including her church family enjoyed those home-made biscuits, delicious stews and chicken and dumplings.Not one of us will ever forget all of the scrumptious, melt in your mouth desserts she always had on hand, especially, her renowned fried apple pies which are unmatched.Her longevity of life is credited to a full life of faithfulness to God and the last fifteen years lovingly cared for at the Masonic Home of Virginia.She was so blessed to have one granddaughter, Tammy, close enough by who visited and helped her almost daily.Many of her caretakers loved her like family and made her life so much more meaningful. Until July 18th, she was living proof that hard work could not possibly kill you.She could have easily sat down at the Masonic home to live that life of Reilly; however, she took on the duties of continuing her beloved hobby of sewing for the approximately 300 residents there.Since that wasn’t enough to keep her busy, she volunteered and managed the Clothes Closet, where we are told she straightened things out for the person who followed her to have a much easier job. Funeral services for Mrs. Gladys Simmons will be Thursday, July 20, 2017 at Alton Baptist Church at 2:00 PM.Burial will follow in the church cemetery.The family will receive friends at the church on Thursday from 12:30 PM till 2:00 PM prior to the service.The family will be at the home of Mary Irby, 3050 East Hyco Road, South Boston on Wednesday afternoon & evening and Thursday morning.You may contact family at 804-334-2506, Jerrell Morton.