Martha Reece Simmons

Martha Reece Simmons, 85, of Ellijay, passed away peacefully Sunday, Sept. 21, 2025.

She was born Oct. 30, 1939, in Gilmer County, to the late Dewey C. Reece and Vesta Rackley Reece. She was a 1957 graduate of Gilmer High School and a member of Pleasant Valley Baptist Church.

She is preceded in death by sisters, Kathy Davenport and Sue Page, and great-granddaughter, Sadie Jean Sanford.
She is survived by husband of 65 years, Harold Simmons, of Ellijay; daughter and son-in-law, Tanya and the Rev. Scott Chastain of Ellijay; son and daughter-in-law, Ronnie and Jennifer Chester, of Ellijay; grandchildren and spouses, Madison (Zach) Sanford, Macie (Marlen) Hensley and Sara Chastain, all of Ellijay; great-grandchildren, Cohutta, Walker, Weston and Coy; and several nieces, nephews and other relatives.

Funeral services will be held Thursday, Sept. 25, 2025, at 2 p.m. from Harvest Missionary Church in Ellijay with the Rev. Scott Chastain and the Rev. Glenn Arnold officiating. Interment will follow in Mt. Vernon Baptist Church Cemetery with the Rev. Jamie Kerr officiating.

Music will be by Alan Davenport and Sophie.

Pallbearers will be Chuck Reece, Curtis Davis, Ernie Carringer, Jim Young, Ben Chin and Brian Shedd. Honorary pallbearer will be Wayne Johnson.

The family will receive friends Wednesday, Sept. 24, from 4 to 8 p.m. at the funeral home.

Flowers and food will be accepted.

Bernhardt Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements.