Patricia Simmons

SIMMONS (Merritt),

Patricia Anne "Patsy"

Mrs. Patricia Anne "Patsy" Merritt Simmons, 73, of Colbert, passed away on Saturday, April 5, 2025, at her residence. Patsy was born in Atlanta, on March 10, 1952, daughter of the late Jesse Louis Merritt and Edna Mae Grimes Merritt. She was a graduate of Campbell High School in Smyrna, and furthered her education at West Georgia College. She worked in the IT sector for many years, beginning with Taracorp, later working for Georgia Pacific, and retiring from Clarke County School District and H&R Block in Athens. At Taracorp, she started as an IT department team member and eventually was the manager of the entire department. She literally, with only one assistant, ran a department that once numbered eight. She helped innovate and implement critical sales management software that was relied on by all of the salespeople throughout the multi city company. Patsy had a lust for life and could cheer anyone up with her wit, infectious laugh, and sense of humor. Surviving are her husband of 42 years, John Wilson Simmons of Colbert; daughter, Jessica Nicole Simmons Cotterell and her husband, Simon Andrew Cotterell of Colbert; granddaughter, Emily Nicole Anne Cotterell; sisters: Vicki Merritt Barbour (Che' Barbour) and Karla Merritt Ward; nephews, Michael Ward (Nikki Ward) of Athens, and Killian Ward (deceased); father-in-law, Jim Simmons; mother-in-law, Sylvia Simmons of Marrietta; sister-in-law, Debbie Houser (Roger Houser) of Rockmart, GA; brother-in-law, Mike Simmons (Dana Simmons) of York, NC; brother-in-law, Bobby Simmons (Crystal Simmons) of Gainesville, GA; along with many other nieces, nephews, cousins and family members. A celebration of Patsy's life will be held on Saturday, April 19, at 1:00 PM, at Watson Mill State Park, 650 Watson Mill Road, Comer, GA 30629. Those wishing may sign the online guestbook at berryfh.com. Berry Funeral Home & Crematory of Elberton is assisting the family of Mrs. Patricia Anne "Patsy" Merritt Simmons.