Alderson-Frances Tuckwiller Simmons, 96, passed away Saturday, Mar. 2, 2024, at the Peyton Hospice House in Lewisburg following a short illness.
Born Nov. 22, 1927, in Lewisburg, she was the daughter of the late Ross and Margaret Moomaw Tuckwiller. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Bill Twohig Simmons; a daughter, Julia Cline Simmons Shafer; a brother, John Tuckwiller and his wife JoAnn; a sister, Ruth Tuckwiller Sweet and her husband Bill; two sisters-in-law, Mary Lou Tuckwiller and Evelyn “Sis” Simmons; and a brother-in-law, Hubert “Mike” Simmons and his wife Virginia.
Frances graduated from Lewisburg High School and West Virginia University with a degree in English Literature. She fell in love and married Bill Simmons on Aug. 11, 1951, and they raised and educated four children. She taught school at Rupert High School and was the co-owner and office manager of Simmons Building Specialties in Alderson from 1954-1996. Frances was a devout member of the Johnson Memorial United Methodist Church in Alderson, where she served the ministry in many capacities. She was a current and past member of the Administrative Board, a member of the Heritage Circle and the United Women in Faith. She was a member of Alderson Main Street, the Daughters of the American Revolution, the Woman’s Club of Alderson and was a founding member of the Alderson Quilters Guild. She was also a member of the Alderson Bridge Club, a former 4-H Club Leader and Mother’s Club member. Frances enjoyed English literature, poetry, gardening and canning vegetables. She loved to read mystery novels, watch birds and was a proud Mountaineer fan. She will always be remembered for her kindness, generosity and love of community.
Survivors include three children, Dr. Michael Simmons and wife Pamela of Phoenix, MD, Margaret Lynn “Margy” Simmons of Alderson, and Tom Simmons and wife Belinda of Flat Top, WV; brother, Sam Tuckwiller of Lewisburg; four grandchildren, Laura Starr and husband Connor of Charlotte, NC, Brittany Lane and husband Joshua of Princeton, WV, Jessica Bulson and husband Taylor of Bluefield, WV, and Benjamin Simmons of Beckley, WV; six great-grandchildren, Nobalee Lane, Jocelyn Lane, Isla Lane, Nicholas Bulson, Evelyn Bulson, and Charlotte Starr; and many nieces and nephews.
Funeral services will be Sunday, Mar. 10 at 3:30 p.m. at Johnson Memorial United Methodist Church in Alderson, with the Rev. Dr. Jeffrey Kanode and the Rev. Sam Groves officiating. Burial will follow in the Alderson Cemetery, Alderson. Friends may call Sunday, Mar. 10, from 2 to 3:30 p.m. at the church.
Serving as pallbearers will be Ben Simmons, Joshua Lane, Taylor Bulson, Nick Bulson, Byron Tuckwiller, and Ben Tuckwiller.
For those wishing to show an expression of sympathy, donations may be made in memory of Mrs. Simmons to the Johnson Memorial United Methodist Church, P.O. Box 477, Alderson, WV 24910.
Online condolences and memories may be shared with the Simmons family at www.lobbanfh.com.
Arrangements by Lobban Funeral Home, Alderson, WV.
