Joyce Juanita Simmons

Joyce Rivers Simmons left us on Friday, March 3, 2006 to join her Savior.Joyce was born in Gamble Mines, Alabama and grew up in Linden, Texas. She graduated from Ensley High School in Birmingham, Alabama, It was in Alabama that she met the love of her life, Allen Simmons. They met at work and were married in 1948. Joyce was a faithful member of Hunter Street Baptist Church in Birmingham, Alabama until 1982 when they moved to Texas to be close to their son, daughter-in-law, and precious grandsons. Joyce served as church hostess at First Baptist Church in Weatherford for seventeen years.She was preceded in death by her parents, Lois and M.L. Rivers, her brothers, Arnold Rivers and Carl Rivers; and sisters, Louise Ledbetter and Betty Poole.Joyce is survived by her husband, Allen Simmons of Weatherford; her son and daughter-in-law, Howell and Ila Simmons of Weatherford; her grandson, Ryan and his wife, Jenny of Dallas, and grandson, Riley of Weatherford; brother and sister-in-law, Erskine and Frieda Rivers of Georgia; and sister and brother-in-law, Peggy and Sam Parsons of Alabama. She is also survived by several nieces, nephews, and many dear friends in Birmingham and Weatherford.The family wishes to thank American Hospice and the members of First Baptist Church for their care and concern during her extended illness.Family visitation will be held from 2 to 4 p.m. Sunday, March 5, 2006 at White's Funeral Home in Weatherford.Cryptside services will be held 11 a.m. Tuesday, March 7, 2006 in the Elmwood Cemetery and Mausoleum in Birmingham, Alabama.Memorial Services will be held 10 a.m. Friday, March 10, 2006 at the First Baptist Church in Weatherford.Memorial donations may be made to the Music Ministry of the First Baptist Church, 221 W. Church Street, Weatherford, Texas 76086