Simmers, Grace Bishop
Grace Bishop Simmers, of Blacksburg, on the morning of June eighth this Earth lost one of the finest humans to ever “grace” it with her presence and Heaven gained a precious angel.
Grace always lit up the room with her beautiful smile and contagious laughter. She had the most amazing sense of humor and could always make us laugh, she loved to laugh. She was a faithful Christian, loving daughter, devoted sister, fabulous wife, amazing mother to her children (both human and K9), doting grandmother, and a wonderful best friend to so many.
She devoted her life to taking care of others and lived for her family and friends, loving nothing more than to be with them whenever she could. She was always her family’s biggest fan and supporter, seldom missing a sporting event or any other moment to watch one of her loved ones shine. “Granny Grace”, as so many knew her, was one of the most selfless, wisest, and compassionate people. She was also one of the feistiest and most determined, always speaking her mind about what she loved and believed in. Grace was there to cheer everyone up creating laughter in memorable moments or just to listen, offering advice or a clever anecdote to any problem. She touched the lives of more people than she will ever know. The community has suffered a great loss and will miss her so much each and every day. She will be watching over us from Heaven as she plays cards, helping and guiding us through life. She has left behind a legacy like few others. All who knew her feel blessed to have had her in their lives and are better people because of Grace.
Grace was born on November 9, 1940 in Blacksburg, VA. She is preceded in death by her parents, Tom Bishop; her mom, Ola Dickerson Bishop; and her stepmother, Lucy Bishop. She is survived by her husband of 55 years, Benjamin Glenn Simmers; her children, Sharon Simmers Robinson (Randy), Benjamin Glenn Simmers, Jr. (Carla), and Brian David Simmers; her sister, Fay Bishop Walters and husband, Clifton; her grandchildren, Lindsay Robinson Hayes (Peter), Lauren Grace Robinson, Alexis Taylor Simmers, and Carlie Renee Simmers; special nieces and nephews, Clifton Walters Jr. (Shelane), Darrell Walters, Amy Walters Woods (Steve), Cara Walters, and Todd Walters (Paige); her beloved pets, C.J. and Andy, and many more treasured extended family and friends.
The family would like to thank the nurses and physicians at LewisGale Hospital Montgomery, especially the staff in ICU. Special thanks to Aja and Lillian, their care and compassion made Grace’s last days comfortable.
In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the Multiple Myeloma Research Foundation, the Blacksburg Rescue Squad, Blacksburg Fire Department, or St. Michael Lutheran Church.
A memorial service will be held at 11 a.m. Thursday, June 11, 2015 in the St. Michael Lutheran Church with Pastor John Wertz officiating. The family will receive friends from 5 to 8 p.m. Wednesday evening at McCoy Funeral Home, Blacksburg.