Born in Piedmont, she was a daughter of the late Frank and Jennie Tice Gambrell. She was twice married, first to the late James Wilford Simmons. She was a member of Harmony United Methodist Church, Ware Shoals and attended Wade Memorial Presbyterian Church, Lancaster.

After graduating from Laurens High School she worked as a seamstress at Richloom in Ware Shoals, and later the Small World Nursery. She cared for and loved many children in her lifetime. She perfected the art of Antiquing and Collecting.

She is survived by her husband, Gerald, a son, David Simmons  of Stanley, N.C., two step-sons, Richard Johnson (Shelby) and Andrew Johnson (Amanda) both of Lancaster, step-daughters, Teresa Johnson of Lancaster and Angela Johnson of Rock Hill, two brothers, James Gambrell (Leslie) and Aaron Gambrell both of Laurens, a son-in-law, Patrick Smith of Ware Shoals, four sisters-in-laws, Nena Thomason (Keith) of Lexington, Ann Parks (John) of Florence, Judy Simmons of Ware Shoals, and Chris Simmons of Williamston, eight grandchildren, Dagon, Lowen, Ashlee, Brandon, Dalton, Ansleigh, Chelsea, and Christian, and eight great-grandchildren, Bransen, Madilyn, Ian, Kellen, Bridger, Perri, Tatum, and Parker.

In addition to her parents and her first husband, James, she was predeceased by a daughter, Ellen S. Smith, a brother, Johnny Frank Gambrell, and a sister Roger Babb.

Funeral services will be held at 2 PM on Monday, October 19, 2026 at Parker-White Funeral Home Chapel, Ware Shoals with Rev. Paul Smith officiating. Burial will follow in Harmony United Methodist Church Cemetery.

The family will be at their respective homes and will receive friends from 1 to 2 PM on Monday prior to the service at Parker-White Funeral Home. In Lieu of Flowers donations should be made to Wade Memorial Presbyterian Church, Box 2767, Lancaster, SC 29721 or to Harmony United Methodist Church Cemetery Fund, Box 155, Ware Shoals, SC 29692. Online condolences may be made at www.ParkerWhitePruitt.com