Jane Phyllis Simmons' Obituary
Jane Phyllis Simmons, 94, resident of Gainesville and longtime resident of McIntosh, died following a long illness on Wednesday, July 12, 2017, at her retirement community, Oak Hammock.
Mrs. Simmons was born on February 9, 1923 in Akron, NY, to the late Thomas and Belle Hufstader. She earned a bachelor’s degree from the University of Pittsburgh and a master’s degree from Columbia University. After being a homemaker in Erie, PA, Glendale, CA, Tampa and Miami, FL, she took up her long career teaching English at Miami Palmetto High School. After retirement, she and her husband moved in 1988 to McIntosh, where they became members of the McIntosh Presbyterian Church and she served on the session. Devoted to children and education, she continued her love of teaching in various ways. She volunteered at local elementary schools, advocated for the creation of the McIntosh Area School and served on its board, and worked as an adjunct instructor at Santa Fe College. She was also a great lover of nature, and a friend to animals large and small. In 2007, Mrs. Simmons was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 63 years, Mr. Neil C. Simmons.
Mrs. Simmons is survived by three daughters, Loraine (Michael Cameron) Simmons of Portland, OR, Christine Waters, of Gainesville, and Jeanne Sims, of Micanopy; a granddaughter, Sarah (Aaron) Taylor, a great-granddaughter, Bailey Taylor, both of Gainesville; a sister, Louise Courtelis, and a niece, Kiki Courtelis, both of Paris, KY.
A memorial service will be held on Sunday, July 16, 2017, at 2:00 PM in the McIntosh Presbyterian Church, 5825 Avenue F, McIntosh, FL, with Dr. Ina Boyd officiating. In lieu of flowers, memorial donations may be made to Haven Hospice or a charity of choice.
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