ONEONTA, NY - Jane G. Simmons, 74, formerly of Stuarts Draft, VA took the hand of her dearly beloved Jesus and went to be with him in Paradise on the first day of summer, June 21, 2007.

Jane was born September 27, 1932 in Swoope, Virginia, the only daughter of Hubert F. Grimm, Sr. and Maude (Spradlin) Grimm. Jane loved the Lord since she first encountered him in her youth at Hebron Presbyterian Church. She would never knew more peace or joy in her heart than when she was in her Father's house. Jane became a woman after God's own heart, serving him in every way she could throughout her life.

After marrying a minister and living in Boones Mill, Virginia, Jane moved to Augusta County in 1965. She became a Weekday Religious Education teacher and taught for over forty years in the local elementary schools, including Verona, Ladd and Stuarts Draft. Indeed, Jane worked tirelessly to help God impact the lives of many, many children.


Jane raised Bearded White Silkie Bantam chickens and showed them at the national level. She was delighted that her chickens were best of show at the American Bantam Association competitions three years in a row. Her devotion to birds continued throughout the rest of her life as she lovingly raised hand-fed sun conures and cockatiels for sale as local pets.

Jane lived to praise the Lord and God gave her the ability to do so musically. From the late eighties until she moved to New York in 2004, she joyously led chancel choirs at local churches, including the Waynesboro Church of the Brethren, Verona United Methodist Church and Sherando United Methodist Church. Aside from God, her choir members meant the world to her and delighted her to no end! The pastor, choir and the members of the Sherando church loved Jane as Jesus would love, holding her up and never letting her go, even as her health declined.


Jane is survived by a son, Grant DeWayne Simmons, Jr. of Stuarts Draft, VA; a daughter, Mel J. Simmons-Rosen and her husband, Eric Simmons-Rosen of Oneonta, NY; and four grandchildren: Alex Rosen (9) of Cincinnati, Ohio, Jacob (4), Benjamin (2) and Emma (7 months) of Oneonta, NY. She is also survived by a brother, Hubert F. Grim, Jr. and his son, Hubert F. Grim, III of Swoope, VA.

A memorial service will be held at Sherando United Methodist Church, 2122 Howardsville Turnpike, Stuarts Draft, VA at 10:00 a.m. on Saturday, August 4, 2007. Interment will immediately follow at the Thornrose Cemetery in Staunton, VA.

On line condolences to the family may be made at www.lhpfuneralhome.com.

Those who wish are encouraged to send contributions in honor of Jane Simmons to the East Augusta W.R.E. Council, Inc., c/o LuAnn Hatter, President, P.O. Box 846, Fishersville, VA 22939.

The Lewis, Hurley & Pietrobono Funeral Home, 51 Dietz St. in Oneonta, NY is serving the family