Donna Joy (Key) Simmons

Donna Joy Key Simmons, resident of the Woodrun Community in Hardeman County, longtime organist and wife of Adrian G. Simmons, died at 7 P.M. Wednesday, April 16, 2008 at the St. Francis Hospital in Memphis where she had been a patient for the past two days. She was 72 years of age and died following a six month illness.

Funeral services for Mrs. Simmons were conducted at 10 A.M. Saturday, April 19th at the Peebles Main Funeral Chapel in Somerville with Rev. Herb Adams, retired pastor of the LaGrange Presbyterian Church, officiating. Interment followed in the Fayette County Memorial Park Cemetery on Hwy. 64 at Oakland. Arrangements were provided by Peebles Fayette County Funeral Home - Main Chapel of Somerville.

A native of Nortonville, Kentucky, Mrs. Simmons was born July 22, 1935, the daughter of the late Lambert Key and the late Emma Phillips Key. She was educated in the Kentucky public school system and was married June 30, 1953, to Adrian G. Simmons, a native of Linton, Kentucky, who survives. Mr. Simmons served as District Chief for the City of Memphis Fire Department before his retirement.

An accomplished musician in Memphis for a number of years, Mrs. Simmons was an organist for over fifty years, playing for various churches and community events. She was a former piano teacher and utilized her musical talent by serving as organist for Grand Junction United Methodist Church, Hickory Valley Baptist Church and at Peebles Fayette County Funeral Home. At the time of her death, Mrs. Simmons was a member of the LaGrange Presbyterian Church.

Mr. and Mrs. Simmons were residents of Memphis for a number of years before their retirement and lived in Grand Junction, TN before moving to the Woodrun Lake Community in Hardeman County seven years ago. While residing in Memphis, Mrs. Simmons served as school secretary for the Memphis Public School System and also served as secretary for the Chaplain's Organization of the Memphis Veteran's Administration Medical Center.

Mrs. Simmons was a Christian, living a life of unselfishness while exhibiting unconditional love for her family and friends. She shared the blessings of joy and kindness with all she met. A person who enjoyed humor, nature and animals, she will be remembered for being a longtime fan of the University of Kentucky Wildcats and the University of Memphis Tigers.

In addition to her husband of fifty-four years, Mrs. Simmons is survived by her sons, Michael C. Simmons (Mary) of Moscow, Rev. David Simmons (Peri) of Stantonville, TN; her sisters, Divina Park of Louisville, KY, Lala Elliott of Columbia, TN and two granddaughters, Kathryn Simmons Kish and Lindsey Joe Simmons, both of Moscow.

Mrs. Simmons was preceded in death by her brothers, Lloyd Key and Chaplain Floyd Key who served as Chaplain for the Wilder Youth Developmental Center in Somerville before his death.

Pallbearers were family members and friends and the family requests that memorials be directed to "Wings" of the West Cancer Clinic, 100 North Humphreys, Memphis, TN 38120.