Joanne Elaine Simmons

Joanne Elaine (Haselden) Simmons, 75, formerly of Rockingham, passed away in Gray, TN, Thursday, January 7, 2021. She was born April 22, 1945, in Oklahoma City, OK, the daughter of the late Francis E. and Illa Maye Hutcherson Haselden. She was the widow of Taft Stanford “Stan” Simmons who passed away May 1, 1996.

She received an Associate Degree from Richmond Community College and spent her working years caring for children. She was owner/manager of the Ginger Bread House Child Care Center until it closed and later worked with Temple Christian School. She was a member of Sweet Haven Church in Rockingham.

Those remaining to cherish her memory are her three children, Theressa S. Smith (Samuel) of Rockingham, Taft S. Simmons, Jr. (Donna) of Gray, TN, and Tracie S. Howard (Kevin) of Johnson City, TN; four brothers: Brian Haselden, Darrell Haselden, George Haselden and Andrew Haselden (Beth); plus six grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

The funeral service will be conducted at 2:00 PM Sunday, January 10, at Sweet Haven Church, 424 Midway Rd., Rockingham, officiated by Rev. Carroll Anthony and Rev. Robby Caudle. Following the service, she will be laid to rest beside her late husband at Richmond County Memorial Park.

In lieu of flowers and in consideration of her love for children, the family requests donations in her memory be made to Richmond County DSS, Foster Care Division, 125 Caroline St., Rockingham, NC 28379.

The family will be gathering at Theressa's home at 110 Yates St., Rockingham.

Arrangements are under the direction of Carter Funeral Home. Online condolences may be posted at www.carterfuneral.net.