Shirley Ann Simmons, 55

HARTLY - Shirley Ann Simmons, of Hartly, passed away peacefully while holding the hands of her loving son and daughter on Saturday, March 8, 2008, in Bayhealth-Kent General Hospital, Dover, after a courageous battle with cancer. She was 55.

Born Feb. 18, 1953, in West Chester, Pa., she was the daughter of the late Donald and Lily (Payne) Gregg.

Shirley was a loving wife and wonderful mother, always putting her family's needs first.

From 2005 to June 2007, she unselfishly dedicated her time to being with and taking care of her husband, John, during his illness.

Prior to John's illness, they enjoyed helping others and especially looked forward to spending time with their friends and family.

Shirley wasn't one to dwell on the bad, but found the best in everything. During the most difficult of times, her positive outlook on life never wavered.

Shirley encountered many adversities in life, most recently her own illness, but continued to approach every new day with a gracious spirit.

Although Shirley's life ended all too early, she has left behind a wonderful legacy to her family and friends.

May her positive spirit for life live in the hearts of others forever. Always live life to its fullest, just as Shirley did. Set goals and try to reach them.

Shirley was preceded in death by her parents and now joins them, along with her husband of 39 years, John Westley Simmons Jr., who passed away June 1, 2007; her oldest son, John Westley Simmons III, May 3, 2007; and her oldest daughter and namesake, Shirley Ann "Missy" Simmons, Aug. 28, 1993, in heaven.

Shirley leaves many wonderful memories to her son, Aaron Daniel "Danny" Simmons Sr. and his wife Elizabeth of Marydel, Md.; her daughter, Brandi Mae Simmons of Hartly; six grandchildren, Arianna and Benjamin Simmons of Clayton, and Rachel, D.J., Michaela, and Colleen Simmons, all of Marydel; two sisters, Lily "Sissy" Sudler of Philadelphia and Migdalia "Middy" Flores of Massachusetts; two brothers, Luciano "Junior" Flores of Illinois and Joseph Yakscoe of Pennsylvania; as well as many cousins, nieces, nephews and dear friends.

Funeral services will be 8 p.m. Friday in Daniels & Hutchison Funeral Home, 212 N. Broad St., Middletown, where family and friends may visit from 6-8 p.m.

Interment will be private.

Instead of flowers, memorial contributions can be made to the Brandi Simmons College Fund, c/o First National Bank of Wyoming, 28 Deak Drive, Smyrna, DE 19977.