Orpha Loyd Simmons, 85, of Signal Mountain, passed away on September 28, 2020, after a long battle with Alzheimer’s.
She was born on Aug. 7, 1935, in Stevenson, Al., to Ernest “Josh” and Ethel Loyd. Known as Ollie by her family, Orpha always had a desire to learn and a passion for education. In 1956, she graduated with a degree in Foods and Nutrition from David Lipscomb College and after graduation she married the love of her life, Army veteran, Roy F. Simmons, Jr. and moved to Signal Mountain. Orpha loved her church and helping others, while her proudest accomplishment was her family. Cooking, camping, sewing, traveling, gardening and reading the newspaper from front to back used to be some of her favorite pastimes.
She was preceded in death by husband, Roy, parents, and sister, Betty Loyd Haddon.
Survivors include: children, Mary Alice (Danny) Burleson of Pikeville, Ernie (Kristan) Simmons of Johnson City, and Carol Mitchell of Signal Mountain, grandchildren: Michael Mitchell, Frank (Laine) Mitchell, Olivia Simmons, and Sarah Simmons, great-grandchildren, Elouise Mitchell and Sullivan Mitchell and siblings, Ernestine Loyd Pace, Gary (Linda) Loyd as well as a host nieces and nephews.
Visitation will be from 10-11 a.m. on Wednesday, Sept. 30, at Lane Funeral Home with a graveside service to follow at Chattanooga Memorial Park.
In lieu of flowers, memorials can be made to the Signal Mountain Church of Christ missions.
Arrangements are by Lane Funeral Home, 601 Ashland Terrace, Chattanooga, Tn. 37415, 423 877-3524, lanefh.com.