Obituary of Frances Jean Simmons

Jean Simmons, age 89, of Sylva passed away on Sunday, August 26, 2018 in Asheville, NC after a very brief illness. She was born on June 1, 1929 in Macon, GA. She was married to the late Silas J. Simmons and was the daughter of the late A. R. and Lillie H. Chance. 

Most of Jean’s professional years were spent providing guidance, love and encouragement to the youth of her communities. She was a member of the Faith Bible Class of Mabel White Baptist Church in Macon, Ga.

In addition to her husband and her parents, she was also preceded in death by one son; Silas J. Simmons II, one sister; Natalie “Talie” Chance and one son-in-law; Markus Asbell.

Jean is survived by two daughters; Adicia Asbell and Sandra (Terry) Yates and one son; Si (Cindi) Simmons. She is also survived by three grandchildren; Abi (David) Wright, Molly (Kaiser Gerhardt) Asbell and Jackson Simmons and fiancé Nicole Peterson, and one great grandchild; Poppy Wright.

Jean requested a graveside service in Macon, Ga. The service will be held at 10:00 am on Wednesday, August 29, 2018 at Riverside Cemetery, 1301 Riverside Dr., Macon, GA with Pastor Steve Johnson officiating.  Burial will follow in Riverside Cemetery.

She also requested a Celebration of Life to be held sometime afterward in her favorite time of the year, Fall in the mountains. Details will be announced at a later time.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made to: Smoky Mountain High School, Athletic Department, Attn: Adam Phillips at 100 Smoky Mountain Drive, Sylva, NC 28779 or to Mountain Projects Head Start Program at 2177 Asheville Rd. Waynesville, NC 28786.

An online registry is available at: www.appalachianfuneralservices.com

Appalachian Funeral Services is serving the family.