Mrs. Nellie (Nell) Ruth Simmons went to her eternal home in the heavens, to be with her Lord and Savior on December 19, 2025, at the age of 87. She was born on November 16, 1938, to Raleigh and Annie Moose Grizzle and was the last surviving of eight children.

Saved as a young girl, she clung tightly to her faith throughout her life, realizing the importance and obligation of teaching her daughter about The Lord and taking her to church. She was a faithful member of Yahoola Baptist Church. When dementia and declining health no longer allowed her to attend, she enjoyed the online services, often speaking as if she were sitting on the pew while tapping her hands as the songs were sung. She lived a simple life with a thankful heart for all her many blessings and loved her family unconditionally.

She was employed at Pinetree Burlington for thirty-two years and worked many more years following at Southern Switches. She worked hard, making many lifelong friends along the way.

Loving to garden, she planted, tended, gathered and meticulously canned the fruits and vegetables she was so proud of. A wonderful cook, she found joy in having her family gathered around her table for many delicious meals.

She was preceded in death by her husband William Junior Simmons, brothers Edgar Grizzle, Paul grizzle, Charlie Grizzle and Larry Grizzle, sisters Ella Calhoun, Carrie Robinson and Bertha Gooch.

She is survived by her daughter Penny (Jerry) Lunsford; grandchildren Lyndsey and Clint Freeland, Laura and Matt Loggins; great grandchildren Jack, Rhett, and Evy Freeland and soon to be born Annie Ruth Loggins. Many special nieces, nephews, relatives and friends also survive.

She was a precious loving "mama" and "granny". We are thankful for the life she lived for us to follow and are assured we will see her again.

Our family greatly appreciates Betty Jackson and Maresa Helton for the many days of assistance, loving care and friendship given to the family during the past several years.

Funeral services are scheduled for 2:00 PM Monday, December 22, 2025, in the chapel of Anderson-Underwood Funeral Home. The Rev. Kris Butler, the Rev. Lyman Caldwell, and the Rev. Terry Head will officiate. Interment will follow in the Yahoola Baptist Church Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 12:00 noon until the service hour Monday at the funeral home.

In lieu of flowers contributions can be made to Yahoola Baptist Church c/o John Jarrard, 12 Jarrard Drive Dahlonega, GA 30533

To share a memory or condolences with the family visit Mrs. Simmons online guestbook at andersonunderwood.com.

Anderson-Underwood Funeral Home 2068 U.S. 19 Business, Dahlonega, GA 30533