Mrs. Jean Simmons, of Newberry, S.C., passed away on Tuesday, July 18, 2023 at White Oak Manor after a two-year battle with cancer. She was married for 71 years to her soulmate and best friend, E. Charles Simmons, Sr.

Born on April 17, 1932, she was a daughter of the late Laurence David and Ruth Dominick Wicker.

Jean was a 1950 graduate of Newberry High School and attended one year of college. She worked as a Cost Analyst at Shakespeare Industrial Products in Newberry and later at RM Engineered Products in North Charleston. She and Charles have resided in Newberry since their retirement.

She was a member of Central United Methodist Church and the Fellowship Sunday School Class and UMW in Newberry. She served on the Newberry County Registration and Election Commission for 16 years and served several terms as the Chairman. She was a dedicated member of the Newberry Opera House Guild and volunteered many hours at the Newberry Opera House. She was a former member of the Jessamine Chapter of American Business Women's Association, the Production and Inventory Control Society, Creative Arts Club and Azalea Garden Club. Jean loved playing bridge and made sure that most of her grandchildren also learned the game. She also enjoyed playing golf. She loved her family deeply and they will truly miss her.

She is survived by her loving husband of 71 years, E. Charles Simmons, Sr.; son, Emory C. Simmons, Jr. (Carole Lynn) of Indian Trail, N.C.; daughter, Susan S. Martin (Cecil) of Irmo S.C.; her grandchildren, Charles (Amber) Cathey of Summerville, S.C., Jessica (Beau) Mack, Joseph Simmons and Joy Simmons all of Charlotte N.C.; great grandchildren, Kelsey Rebeck, Allison and Elizabeth Cathey, George, Miles, and Walter Mack; as well as several nieces and nephews.

She was predeceased by her parents, her brothers, David and Raymond Wicker, her sister, Patsy Crouch, and granddaughter, Liana Simmons.

Funeral Services will be held at Central United Methodist Church conducted by Rev. Jimmy Counts and Rev. Laura Parrish at 2:00 PM on Thursday, July 20.

Burial will be at Newberry Memorial Gardens, 15127 CR Koon Highway, Newberry, S.C. 29108.

Visitation with the family will be immediately afterwards in the family building.

Pallbearers will be Gerald Dukes, Phil Epps, Rhett Frazier, Alan Hunnicutt, David Senn, and Frank Senn

Honorary pallbearers will be Foster Senn, John Paul Whitaker, and Ed Kyler.

The family would like to express their gratitude for the loving care given to Jean by her friends and the dedicated staff of White Oak Manor.

The family suggests memorials to Central United Methodist Church.

Memories and condolences may be shared with family here on her tribute page.

Whitaker Funeral Home is honored to assist the Simmons family.