Lena Ervie Smith Simmons

Mrs. Lena Ervie Smith Simmons, 100, of Mount Airy, passed away Monday night, January 9, 2023, at Forsyth Medical Center in Winston-Salem.  Mrs. Simmons was born October 23, 1922, in Stokes County, one of four children born to the late Robert Reid and Eva Sarah Hartman Smith.  Ervie was reared in the Francisco community and graduated as the valedictorian from Francisco High School in 1939.  On May 19, 1940, Ervie married Rufus Albert Simmons, and together they were a vital part of the Asbury community for many years.  She dedicated her life to the creation of a loving home for her family and was the source of ceaseless support to her husband on their farm.  She was a longtime and faithful member of Asbury Presbyterian Church as long as her health permitted.  She is survived by two daughters and sons-in-law, Lana and Paul Covington of Westfield and Pattie and Paul Scott of Surfside Beach, SC; four sons and three daughters-in-law, Arnold and Patty Simmons, Randy and Melanie Simmons, and Victor Simmons and Thelma Wise, all of Mount Airy, and Alan and Sherri Simmons of Pilot Mountain; fifteen grandchildren; thirty great-grandchildren; one great-great-grandchild; several nieces and nephews; and a special friend, Cindy Cardwell of Lawsonville.  In addition to her parents, Mrs. Simmons was preceded in death by her husband, Rufus Albert Simmons; and three brothers, James H. Smith, Robert Corby Smith, and Johnny Ray Smith.  A service of worship and celebration of Ervie’s life will be held Friday, January 13, 2023, at 2:00 PM at Asbury Presbyterian Church, with the Rev. Terry Collins and the Rev. Rickey Rogers officiating.  Burial will follow in the church cemetery.  The family will receive friends Friday from 12:30 until 2:00 PM at the church.  In lieu of flowers, memorial contributions may be made to Asbury Presbyterian Church, 1084 Flippin Road, Mount Airy, NC  27030.  Moody Funeral Services in Mount Airy is serving the family.