Joyce Ann Cain Simmons

Joyce Ann Cain Simmons, 93, of Colonial Heights, VA went to be with her Lord and Savior on December 29, 2025. Born in Petersburg, VA on April 17, 1932, she was the beloved daughter of the late Russell Christian Cain and Daisy Cummins Cain. She will now spend eternal life with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ. She will be with her beloved husband of 54 years, Henry William Simmons Jr, adored son William Russell “Rusty” Simmons, her mother and father and many other family members and friends to include her cherished companion, Snowball. Joyce was known by many as “Sunshine” due to her radiant smile and positive attitude, noting that she never showed signs of negativity. She loved people, was thoughtful, generous and kind. She loved her church family and the many friends she made in her real estate career of nearly 50 years. She was on the Board of Directors and a past President of the Southside Virginia Association of Realtors. During her Real-estate tenure, Joyce was honored with the Realtor Emeritus status by the National Association of Realtors in 2016, as well as becoming a Hall of Fame member of Century 21 and being listed numerous times as a top producer throughout her career. Joyce enjoyed organizing guided tours to many parts of the world including Alaska, Hawaii, Panama, Europe, South America as well as many locations throughout the lower United States.

She is survived by her beloved sister-in-law, Betty Simmons Crostic; niece, Deborah Crostic Whittle-Smith (Brick); great-nephew, Joseph Scott Whittle (Jill); great-niece, Emily Whittle Frost (Jeremy); great-great-niece, Caroline Whittle; great-great-nephew, Landon Whittle; great-great-niece, Meredith Frost; great-great-nephew, Campbell Frost; and cousins, Christian Fick and Katherine Smith. Joyce was also the God parent of Brian and Melissa Suyes, and their children making her a Great-God parent or “Gigi” to London & Nolan Suyes. In addition, Joyce loved her many extended families, including but not limited to the former Joy Trio.

Joyce was a faithful, proud and devout lifetime member of Immanuel Baptist Church having served voluntarily as organist for more than 65 years. For twenty of those years, she served as Choir Director & organist. At one time, Joyce was accompanist for 5 choirs, Kindergarten Director and teacher, which led her to having reached more than 750 children over 10 years. She served on many committees for the church and supported many roles to include Chairman of Finance & Personnel, Church Historian, Recording Secretary for church business, as well as the Treasure and travel agent for the Sonshine Senior Group.

The family will receive friends from 3:00 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. on Monday, January 5, 2026, at the Colonial Heights Chapel of the E. Alvin Small Funeral Homes, 2033 Boulevard, Colonial Heights, VA 23834. A graveside service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, January 6, 2026, in Blandford Cemetery, 319 S Crater Road, Petersburg, VA 23803, and then a memorial service will follow at 1:00 p.m. on Tuesday at Immanual Baptist Church, 620 Lafayette Avenue, Colonial Heights, VA 23834, with Reverend Jerry Parker officiating both. A reception will follow at the church.

Flowers are welcomed or donations may be made to Immanuel Baptist Church, 620 Lafayette Ave., Colonial Heights, VA 23834 or the SPCA of Petersburg or Colonial Heights.