Norma Grimes Simmons

Norma Lee Grimes Simmons, 97, passed from this life into the presence of her Savior, Jesus Christ on Monday, October 27, 2025.

Norma was preceded in death by her husband of almost 74 years, Herb Simmons, her parents, all five of her siblings and several nieces and nephews.

She is survived by her children: Jane Crawford, Dan (Jenny) Simmons, Susan (Bruce) Dodds and Nancy (Bob) Ricotta. Grandchildren: Brent Crawford, Annie Simmons, Dana (Josh) Formaneck, Eric (Julie) Dodds, Cameron Dodds, Barrett (Jess) Dodds, Rob ( Jennifer) Ricotta and Sara (Cade) Tessmann. Great-grandchildren: Rush, Merrick and Anderson Stoner, Rhett, Tress and Vivienne Dodds and several nieces, nephews as well as great and great-great nieces and nephews. She also leaves behind Bonita Hamstra her “adopted” daughter, her caregiver who over 10 years has become a family member, Joan (Dennis) Bishop. Also many faithful friends and neighbors who regularly visited her along with her hospice team.

She was a member of The Christian and Missionary Alliance denomination and active many years in choirs, teaching Sunday School, decorating and on Mission boards. She was also a member of the Colonial Dame’s Seventeenth Century, The Daughters of the American Revolution and The Mayflower Society.

She worked as an Interior Design and Decorator along side her husband, a builder. She will be remembered for her hospitality. She was an amazing cook and loved nothing more than entertaining in her home. Her loyal friendship and fierce love for her family was always evident, but first and foremost she will be most remembered for her great love of her Savior and her incredible prayer life.

A funeral service will be held Saturday, November 1, 2025 at 3:30 PM at Biltmore Church with Rev. Douglas Messer. The family will greet friends from 2:30 till 3:30 PM prior to the service at the church. A private family burial will be in Black Mountain, NC at the North Carolina State Veterans Cemetery.

Memorials can be made to Four Seasons Hospice @ fourseasonscare.org or to Compassion International @ compassion.com. 

Online condolences can be left at www.bryantgrantfuneralhome.com

Bryant-Grant Funeral Home & Crematory is honored to serve the Simmons family.