Joseph Willard Simmons: Clarendon

    Joseph Willard Simmons of Clarendon died Tuesday, Feb. 10, in his home. He was 91. 
     Born Nov. 17, 1923 in Columbus County, he was the son of the late Jessie Ed Simmons and Viola Spivey Simmons.  
    In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by his wife, Dula Bell Simmons; a son: Steave Simmons; two brothers, Simon Simmons, Kit Simmons; three sisters,  Bessie Martin, Bernice Beck, Bertha Worley; and one granddaughter, Erika Cartwright.
    He is survived by five daughters, Diane Graham of Whiteville, Brenda Thompson of Whiteville, Lorraine Simmons of Pigeon Forge, Tennessee, Louise Underwood of Whiteville, Sheila Pridgen of Whiteville; two sons, Michael Simmons of Clarendon, Richard Simmons of Clarendon; one brother, David Simmons of Chesapeake, Virginia; 15 grandchildren; and 16 great grandchildren.  
    Visitation was planned from 6 to 9 p.m. Thursday, Feb. 12 in Sweet Home Baptist Church, Clarendon.  
    Funeral services were planned for 3:30 p.m. Friday, Feb. 13 in Sweet Home Baptist Church, Clarendon, with burial following in Forest Lawn Cemetery, Tabor City.
    A guest register is available here.