Mrs. Candace B. Simmons

Candace Emily Byers Simmons, age 40, of Jefferson, Georgia, died Sunday, May 2, 2016, at Emory University Hospital in Atlanta. Candace was a strong, independent, well-educated lady. She graduated from Perry High School in in 1993. She then attended Gainesville College; received her Bachelor's Degree from the University of Georgia; her Master's Degree from Piedmont College and her Specialist Degree from Brenau University. Candace spent all of her teaching career at Jefferson Middle School, except her first year at Commerce High School. She received many awards and recognition as an outstanding teacher. She was very proud to know that she was helping the students at JMS to be bright, productive citizens. She is survived by her loving husband, Jeremy Scott Simmons and her son, the love of her life, Quinton Ford Simmons, both of Jefferson; her parents, Glenn and Judy Byers of Unadilla; her brother, Steven Byers and his son, Ian Byers both of Jefferson; her sister, Teresa Kirchner, her husband, Matt Kirchner and their son, Reed Kirchner of Kingsport, TN; her mother-in-law, Marie Taubel and her husband, Rob of Gillsville; her sister-in-law, Kelley Lerma and her husband, Carlos of Gillsville; her brothers-in-law, Barry Simmons and his wife, Tonya of Lula and Craig Simmons and his wife, Margie of Maysville; the family's special friend, Holly Tullis of Jefferson; many aunts, uncles and cousins on both sides of her family; her co-workers, friends and neighbors too numerous to mention. She was preceded in death by her sister, Alison Lynn Byers; her maternal grandparents, Billy and Betty Jean Humphries; her paternal grandparents, Sanford and Ruby Fay Smith Byers and her father-in-law, Jerry Simmons. Funeral services will be held at 2 PM Saturday, May 7 at Galilee Christian Church in Jefferson, Georgia. The family will greet friends 11 AM - 2 PM at the church prior to the service. Graveside services will be held at 2 PM Sunday, May 8 at County Line Baptist Church Cemetery. Candace will lie in state in County Line Baptist Church beginning at 1 PM prior to the service. The family would like to thank the staff at Athens Regional Hospital and Emory University Hospital Neuroscience ICU Department for everything they did to try to save Candace from this outcome. They would also like to thank everyone for the prayers and support they have received. Flowers are appreciated or donations may be made to the Brain Aneurysm Foundation by visiting, www.bafound.org or the charity of your choice. Candace's service was delayed because of her generous gift as an organ donor which gives us encouragement that part of her spirit will help save others. Brannen-NeSmith Funeral Home of Unadilla has charge of arrangements.