Willene Webster Simmons
Willene Webster Simmons, 93, of Hixson, Tennessee, passed away on March 29, 2025.
She is survived by her son, Jackie W. Simmons (Susan) of Signal Mountain, and daughter Janice A. Lanier (Chris) of Hixson. She leaves behind three grandsons, Matthew Lanier, Jeffrey Simmons, and Scott Simmons (Allison); and six great-grandchildren, Finn Simmons, Mitch Simmons, Avery Simmons, Piper Simmons, Jewel Lanier, and Callie Lanier.
She was preceded in death by her husband of 56 years, James William Simmons, who died in 2002.
Prior to her recent disability and illness, she attended Middle Valley Baptist Church. She was an integral member of the Ladies Sewing Group, who made and donated items to area nursing homes. As an avid seamstress, quilter, and crafter, she enjoyed teaching others to sew. She gave away much of her beautiful work in exchange for a smile and a hug. She enjoyed flowers and gardening, and finally gave up her John Deere garden tractor when she broke her hip at age 83. She was retired from Conoco Oil Company.
Willene was born in White County, Tn., on Sept. 25, 1931, to James and Callie Smith Webster. She was one of 13 children, preceded in death by half-sister Mildred Stephens; sisters Veolia Ledbetter, and Bonnie Bodine; brothers Herbert Webster, Terry Webster; and three infant siblings who died at birth.
She is survived by brothers Claude Webster, T.K. Webster, Joe Webster, and Meb Webster, all of Chattanooga. She has numerous nieces and nephews on both sides of the Simmons/Webster family tree.
A celebration of Willene’s life is scheduled for Wednesday, April 2. The family will begin receiving friends at 11 a.m., followed by a service at 2 p.m. in the funeral home chapel with Rev. Bill Harvey officiating. Entombment will follow Hamilton Memorial Gardens. Pallbearers will be her three grandsons; Matthew Lanier, Jeffrey Simmons, Scott Simmons; two great-grandsons, Finn Simmons, Mitch Simmons and nephew, Lynn Bodine, Jr.
In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions in honor of Willene may be made to either:
American Heart Association at www.heart.org. or Point Christian Academy at www.pointacademy.org (a ministry of Red Bank Baptist Church).
Condolences and memories may be shared at www.williamsonandsons.com.
Arrangements are by Williamson and Sons Funeral Home, 8852 Dayton Pike, Soddy Daisy, Tn. 37379.