Merrill Elaine Jones Simmons, 74, of Greenville, passed away on Monday, November 27, 2017 in Greenville, South Carolina to her parents, Franklin Odell Jones and Violet Lavonia (Rutland) Jones. She was a lifelong resident of the upstate and she worked in the food service industry. She will be remembered as a loving mother, wife, sister and grandmother. Mrs. Simmons is preceded in death by her parents; her husband, Jimmy Simmons; her sisters, Pearl, and Gloria; her brothers, Zebbie, Paul, Billy, Donnie and Jerry. Mrs. Simmons is survived by her sons, Steve J. Lupu (Wendy) of Travelers Rest, South Carolina and Nathan Simmons of Greenville, South Carolina; her sisters, Daisy, Bessie and Sherrill (her twin); her brother, Kenny; her four grandchildren, Jessica, Chad, Austin and Steven; her six great grandchildren, Christian, Emily, Cody, Logan, Devin and Conner. Coming from a large family, Mrs. Simmons is also survived by numerous nieces, nephews and other members of her extended family.
Graveside services to honor her life will be at 2:00 P.M. Wednesday, November 29, 2017 in the Mausoleum Chapel at Greenville Memorial Gardens in Piedmont, South Carolina. A gathering of family and friends will be from 1:00 P.M. until 2:00 P.M. at the Chapel Mausoleum as well.