King, Daisy Ferne Simmons

Daisy Ferne Simmons King, 90, of Narrows, Va., passed away Wednesday, March 4, 2009, at Blue Ridge Christian Home in Bealeton, Va. She was born in Roanoke County on April 12, 1918, and was the daughter of the late Edgar Gordon and Daisy Charlton Hale Simmons. In addition to her mother and father, she was preceded in death by her husband, William Jennings King; a sister, Sarah Simmons Ragsdale; and a brother, William Gordon Simmons. Daisy spent most of her childhood in Narrows and was a lifelong member of the Methodist Church, often teaching Sunday School and singing in the choir. A 1935 graduate of Narrows High School, she graduated in 1941 from Stuart Circle Hospital School of Nursing in Richmond, Va. as a Registered Nurse. She also attended Emory & Henry College and received a degree in Elementary Education from James Madison University in Harrisonburg in 1962. Daisy was inducted into Kappa Delta Pi Honor Society in education. Daisy loved her family, treasured her friends, and worked tirelessly to educate the children of Elkton, Narrows and Roanoke County for many years until her retirement. She felt strongly that the path to a successful life would be paved with a good education. She is survived by two sons, Dr. William Jennings King Jr., of Culpeper, Va., Dr. Robert D. King and wife, Sheryl, of Clearbrook, Va.; two granddaughters, Annlynne and Christiana King; a sister, Jane Simmons Newton and husband, Dr. Richard Newton, of Roanoke; a sister-in-law, Ruth Simmons, of Narrows; and many beloved nieces, nephews and their spouses and children in the Roanoke and Narrows area. Funeral services will be held Saturday, March, 7, 2009, at 11 a.m. at First United Methodist Church in Narrows with the Rev. Chris Brown and the Rev. Jim Jenkins officiating. Burial will follow in Sherwood Memorial Park in Salem. The family will receive friends at First United Methodist Church from 10:15 a.m. until just prior to the service. Online condolence messages to the family can be sent to www.riffes.com.