Beverly Simmons

Beverly Sue Simmons, 73, of Otterville, passed away Thursday, January 22, 2026, at her home, surrounded by her family.

She was born March 6, 1952, in Boonville, the daughter of George Mack and Mildred Sue (McNeal) Oswald. She was formerly married to Jerry Simmons, and together they had two children.

Bev was a 1970 graduate of Otterville High School. As a child, she was involved in Theta Rho. Bev was deeply community-minded and known as a take-charge person who stepped in when there was a need and believed in doing things the right way. She helped organize entertainment for the Otterville Street Fair and took pride in bringing baton twirling to the fair, leading and teaching young girls in the community.

Family was always at the center of her life. Aunt Bessie, as she was affectionately known, enjoyed supporting her nieces and nephews by attending their ball games. She found enjoyment in listening to live music, especially her brother's band. Bev consistently put others before herself and, over the years, opened her home to many who needed a place to stay. She was a member of First Baptist Church of Otterville.

Bev worked for many years as a manufacturing supervisor, including positions at Fasco and Delta.

One of her proudest accomplishments was helping bring her cousin, Harold Lee Dick, home. He was killed in action during World War II and had been missing since 1944. In 2020, Bev was instrumental in coordinating his repatriation and organizing a meaningful homecoming.

Survivors include a son, Jerry Mack Simmons (Jackie) of Bunceton; a daughter, Laura Sue Moore (Richard) of Sedalia; her mother, Mildred Sue Oswald of Otterville; three grandchildren, Madisyn Horn (Codey), Jordyn Simmons, and Kannon Simmons (Kaylee); three great-grandchildren, Morgan, Blair, and Kayson; three brothers, Jimmy Oswald of Otterville, Paul Oswald (Ruth) of Otterville, and Frank Oswald (Terri) of Florence; a brother-in-law, Roger Stuedle; numerous nieces, nephews, and cousins; and her beloved dog, Max, and cat, Tucci.

She was preceded in death by her father, George Mack Oswald, and a sister, Virginia "Pook" Stuedle.

The family will receive friends from 12:00 to 1:15 p.m. Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at Heckart Funeral Home, where funeral services will begin at 1:30 p.m. Burial will follow in Olive Branch Cemetery near Syracuse.

Casket bearers will be Kannon Simmons, Jacob Schoen, Matt Oswald, Tyler Oswald, Paul M. Oswald, Franklin Oswald, P.J. Phillips, and Jimmy Mac Oswald. The remaining nieces, nephews, and grandchildren will serve as honorary bearers.

Memorials are suggested to Olive Branch Church and Cemetery, in care of Heckart Funeral Home.