Catherine Simmons, wife of Lewis Simmons, deceased, was
born Sept. 10, 1845 and passed away Oct. 31, 1926, at the home
of her daughter, Mrs. T. B. Kerley at Simpson, aged 81 years,
1 month and 21 days.
She was married to Lewis Simmons June 20, 1864. To this union
were born six children, Mrs. T. B. Kerley, Simpson; W. C. Simmons,
Flatwoods; Mrs. George McKee, Simpson; Floura J. who died in infancy;
Mrs. Ivory Morris, Flatwoods, and Flora C., who were twins. Only
three are living: Bettie Kerley, Calvin Simmons and Leora Morris.
She leaves 16 grandchildren and 17 great-grandchildren.
Catherine professed faith in Christ our Lord when young and joined
the Missionary Baptist church at Friendship, Johnson County, and
later she and her husband, with others, were charter members in
organizing County Line Church, Flatwoods, where she was a faithful
member until death. She was ever ready to help in the upkeep of
the church with a strong desire to see it prosper, and ready to
advise her children and all young people as to how they started
out in life and to live so as to be respected. She kept five orphan
children some along, principally Red Murphy and Emma Bosewell.
Aunt Kate as she was known, lived a respectable life, gaining
the good will of those with whom she associated and neighbored.
She spent most of her life in Flatwoods, but after the death of
her husband and the children married off, she moved to Simpson,
as the two oldest daughters were located there. She always had
a hard pull through life, confined at home the latter part with
Flora, the blind girl, prospering some along, but had quite a
bit of sickness in life, but having a strong constitution she
bore it well and was willing for the Lord's will to be done and
pass on to that home prepared for her.
She leaves to mourn their loss besides the children, three hal-brothers
and a host of friends. We realize your loss is her gain. Farewell
mother, you will not be forgotten.
Funeral services were conducted by Elder E. R. Steagall of Harrisburg,
Nov. 2nd 1926, short services at home then preaching at County
Line church in presence of a large crowd with interment in Kerley
cemetery, the grave being covered with lovely flowers.