Sharon Elaine Simmons peacefully gained her wings, escorted by a chorus of Angels, October 8, 2021 at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist.  She was born in Winston-Salem, NC on December 25, 1951.  Sharon was the daughter of the late Valjeanne Elaine Simmons Smith and  David Dillard.  Her grandparents were Booker T. and Ida F. Simmons.  She is survived by her only sister, Stephanie Ann Simmons Mackey; a loyal and faithful friend, Leroy Dendy; caregiver extraordinaire, Stephanie Collier; spiritual advisors, Apostle and Pastor Richardson; Dellabrook Presbyterian Church members; good friends, Freda Davis and Lolita Holiday; her neighbors; her cat, "Kitty Man"; along with a host of many other friends.

Sharon was educated in the local public Schools of Winston-Salem graduating from R.J. Reynolds High School in 1970. From there she matriculated for a short time at Morris Brown College before returning to Winston-Salem, where she graduated from WSSU, Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Arts degree in 1974.  After graduation, Sharon worked as a social worker. Doing this work encouraged Sharon to pursue further study, whereupon she matriculated at the University of Tennessee Knoxville and was awarded the Master of Social Work degree, then receiving the status of Licensed Clinical Social Worker.   Rehabilitative Services expertise became her specialty and is the area of expertise where she excelled.  Sharon was also an excellent analyst, writer, and communicator.  Before her health began to fail, Sharon advised local organizations how to establish proper operating criteria to function as nonprofit entities.  Being an excellent writer was also among her greatest gifts.  And like her mother, she sang beautifully.

Her favorite books were The Holy Bible and Think and Grow Rich.  She loved all types of music and could challenge anyone on the dance floor.  Full of life with laughter; fun loving to the end, that's Sharon Elaine Simmons.  So as life this side for her is over, we will miss her.  Sharon on the other side rejoices where she rests forever with our Savior Jesus Christ, the giver of all life.

A viewing will be held from 12:00pm until 5:00pm Wednesday, October 13, 2021 at Russell Funeral Home.

Private funeral services will be held Thursday, October 14, 2021. Interment will follow in Evergreen Cemetery.