Oct 18, 2012

Lifelong Aleppo resident was pianist, local grocer Helen Elizabeth Simms, 95, of Aleppo, died at 7:40 p.m. Wednesday, October 17, 2012, in Cameron Nursing and Rehab Center, Cameron, W.Va. She was born December 28, 1916, in Aleppo, a daughter of the late James Garfield and Lutie McCracken Jones. She had resided in the Aleppo area all her life. Mrs. Simms was a member and former pianist at Aleppo Brethren Church and member of the former Aleppo Grange. She was a 1934 graduate of the former Aleppo High School. Mrs. Simms and her late husband were co-owners and operators of the former Simms Grocery Store in Aleppo for several years. She was last employed by West Greene School District in the cafeteria of Aleppo Elementary School. On October 3, 1935, she married Howard Jordon Boone Simms, who died in June 1987. Surviving are a daughter, Diane, wife of Danny Stewart of Paden City, W.Va.; a son, Steve, husband of Shelia Simms of Aleppo; a daughter-in-law, Jane Simms of Oakland, Md.; a sister, Edith Longstreth of Morgantown, W.Va.; five grandchildren, Autumn, wife of Jeremy Dvorcek, Jordon L. and Jason Simms and Jeff and Doug Stewart; eight great-grandchildren; a great-great-grandchild. Deceased, in addition to her parents and husband, are a son, James W. Simms; a grandson, Jimmy Simms; and six brothers, Charles A., Harry, Clyde, Howard, Robert and Carl Jones. At the request of the deceased, there will be no public visitation or services. Interment will be private and held at the convenience of the family. The family suggests memorial contributions be made to Aleppo Brethren Church, 1049 Green Valley Road, Aleppo, PA 15310. Arrangements are under the direction of Rush Funeral Home Inc. Rogersville. Family and friends may view the obituary and send condolences at www.rushfuneralhomeinc.com.