Mrs. Joan Mason Simmons, 87, beloved wife of Kenneth Lloyd “Ken” Simmons and a resident of Harborton, passed away Saturday, July 11, 2020, at her home. A native of Savageville, Joan was born Dec. 11, 1932, in Salisbury, Md., a daughter of the late Ermon J. Mason and the late Hazel Conway Adams.
Joan graduated from Onancock High School, class of 1951, and soon after met the love of her life on a blind date, a date that began Ken and Joan’s 66-year love story. Together, they built a beautiful life, one centered on providing a safe, loving, and welcoming home for their children, friends, neighbors, and of course, their four-legged family members.
Joan and Ken raised their children in Rockville, Md., and later, returned to the Eastern Shore, where they made their home over the last 20 years. Joan always looked forward to nights out dancing with Ken, was an excellent bowler, having held the title for highest scoring woman bowler in her prime, and she loved playing cards, often hosting parties for bridge, poker, and pinochle. Her proudest achievement was that of a devoted wife and mother, and nothing brought her more joy than being surrounded by those she cherished most.
In addition to her husband, Joan is survived by their four children, Kenneth Lloyd Simmons Jr., of Rockville, Patricia Jean Jaeger, of Virginia Beach, Va., Vincent David Simmons, of California, Md., and Cheryl Starr Reynolds and her husband, William, of Gaithersburg, Md.; three granddaughters, Kelly Harris, Teresa Crouse, and Kristy Simmons; six great-grandchildren; two nieces; and one nephew. Other than her parents, she was predeceased by her sister, Audrey Stewart, and her husband, Orris.
Funeral services will be conducted from the chapel of the Williams-Onancock Funeral Home Friday, July 17, 2020, with Pastor Kendra Powell officiating. Interment will follow in the Onancock Cemetery. There will be a visitation at the funeral home a half hour prior to the service.
In lieu of flowers, contributions in Joan’s memory may be made to the Eastern Shore SPCA, P.O. Box 164, Onley, VA 23418 (www.shorespca.com).
Memory tributes may be shared with the family at www.williamsfuneralhomes.
