Dorothy Mae Arp Simonds, 90, of Cleveland, Tennessee, passed away Monday, May 23, 2016 at her residence.
She was a devout Christian and attended United Christian Church in recent years until her decline in health. Following her retirement from J. C. Penney’s at age 75, Mae worked another five years as a food and clothing volunteer for two community churches as a way of helping those in need. In her younger days during World War II, she served as one of the famous “Rosie the Riveter” women in building B-29’s at Bell Aircraft Corporation in Marietta, GA.
Mae was highly respected by all who knew her for her devotion to Christian values, her strong faith, hard work and kindness in all her dealings. She was loved by her family and many friends and will be greatly missed by all.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 32 years, Ray C. Simonds; parents, Walter and Hattie Golden Arp; four brothers; and four sisters.
Survivors include three sons and daughters-in-law, James W. and Mary F. Simonds of Roswell, GA, Robert Lynn and Camelyn Kaye Simonds of Cartersville, GA and Gary Lee and Helen Simonds of Cleveland; grandchildren, Jonah Ray Simonds and wife, Shannon of Dallas, GA and Brandon Lee Simonds and Amy Sharee Simonds, both of Cleveland; great-grandchildren, Jonie Mae, Autumn, Isaac and Faith Simonds, all of Dallas, GA; two sisters, her twin, Marie Crowe of Murphy, NC and Geneva Anderson of Mineral Bluff, GA; and several nieces and nephews.
The funeral will be conducted at 3 p.m. on Friday, May 27, in the chapel of Fike-Randolph & Son Funeral Home with the Reverend Anton Burnette officiating. The interment will follow in Sunset Memorial Gardens.
Her family will receive friends on Friday from 1-3 p.m. at the funeral home prior to the service.
The family suggests that memorials be made to the United Christian Church Mission Fund, PO Box 700, Cleveland TN 37364.
Fike-Randolph & Son Funeral Home has charge of the arrangements.