Joyce Ann Simmons

Joyce Ann Simmons, 78, of Santo, Tx passed peacefully on April 11th, 2025. She was surrounded by her family singing her into Heaven with the same songs we all sang together in church for many years. She lived a life rooted in Faith, devoted to Christ, and guided by the teachings of the Holy Bible.

Joyce was born on January 9th, 1947, in Cape Girardeau, Missouri to Clarence and Elva Kirkpatrick. She married the love of her life, Charles Simmons in Glen Allen, MO on June 8th, 1963. They had 5 wonderful children together. The start of such a big, wonderful, family that they devoted their whole lives to. They had 51 of the most amazing years together until God called Charles home on February 20th, 2015.

Joyce was a woman of unwavering belief, whose love for the Lord shone through every aspect of her life. She found joy in prayer, strength in scripture, and peace in the promises of eternal life. She shared her faith through kindness, compassion, and an unyielding trust in God’s plan.

As a mother and grandmother, she raised her family in the ways of the Lord, teaching them to love, to serve, and to trust in Him always. She found comfort in Bible verses such as 2 Timothy 4:7- “I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the Faith.” She now rests in the arms of the savior, free from pain and sorrow, rejoicing in the presence of the Lord.

Joyce attended Gospel Ministries, where she played the piano, sang, and ministered.

Joyce always made sure everyone knew just how much she loved them. She was the devoted Grandma who needed 5 hugs, and an insane amount of kisses. She never met anyone that she didn’t tell she loved them. Joyce will be so missed by all who knew her. And her family will cling to the saying she always told them. “The Family who prays together, Stays together.”

Joyce is preceded in death by the Love of her Life Charles Simmons, her daughter Tina Simmons Billue, her granddaughter Stacie Simmons, her daughter in law Tammy Simmons. Her parents Clarence and Elva Kirkpatrick. Stepmom Orlean Clifton. Brother Gary Kirkpatrick. As well as many other lost loved ones.

Joyce is survived by her children: Butch Simmons of Santo, Donna Simmons Varnell (Richard) of Oklahoma, Sherry Simmons Ballou (James) of Santo, and Lisa Simmons Cotton (Mark) of Mineral Wells. Grandchildren/Great Grandchildren: Holly Simmons (Jason, Brayden, Blake, Bailey, Bryson, Brody, and Emery) Newcomb of Santo. Hayden and Addisyn Hamscher of Mineral Wells. Brandon (Ashley, Hannah, Kaitlyn, Kynlee, Brandon Jr, Melody, and Harmony) Simmons of Santo. Chris (Makayla, Luke, Bentley) Logan of Mingus. Angel (Dallas, Landyn, Caylynn, Kiley, and Lane) Brown of Oklahoma. Lola (Landon, Crislin, Crosslie, and Chestnie) Cooley of Oklahoma. Richard (Lacey, Bridget, Lily) Varnell of Oklahoma. Ryan (K’ilynn) Varnell of Oklahoma. Charles (Barbara, Cadence, Constance, Abbey, Dwight, Corbin, Camden) Simmons of Santo. Edward (Aubree, and Olivia) Billue of Santo. Megan (Colin, Ellie, Rory, Lucy) Bryant of South Carolina. Kleigh Billue of Brock. Mark Cotton II (Janel), Arionna, and Kason Cotton of Mineral Wells. Her Siblings: Kevin (Melinda)Kirkpatrick, Steve Kirkpatrick, Greg (Jenette)Kirkpatrick, Rhonda (Russell)Shipley.

Pallbearers: Edward Billue, Charles Simmons, Mark Cotton II, Richard Varnell, Ryan Varnell, Chris Logan Honorary Pallbearer: Landon Cooley

Visitation will be 6-8 p.m. Monday at the funeral home. Funeral services will be 10 a.m., Tuesday, April 15, 2025 at Baum-Carlock-Bumgardner Funeral Chapel. Interment will follow at Indian Creek Cemetery.