Sharon Simmons

Sharon “Susie” Simmons, 75, of Lynchburg, Virginia passed away on the 19th of July, 2025. She was the beloved daughter of Robert Rogers and Dorothy Lucille Hale and the devoted wife of Thomas Wayne Simmons Sr. for 40 years.

Born on February 17, 1950, in Lynchburg, Virginia, Susie attended Brookville High School and quickly became known for her boundless energy and caring nature. Over the course of her life, she poured her heart into the community she loved, leaving a legacy of compassion and loyalty.

For more than 50 years, Susie found her true calling in caring for children, becoming a second mother to countless young ones as she founded and operated Itsey Bitsey Daycare. Her warmth and gentle spirit provided a safe, nurturing environment for many children in the community.

Susie’s deep sense of community extended far beyond her daycare, as she was a proud member of Langhorne Chapel in Evington, Virginia. Her faith and love for others shone brightly in everything she did.

Susie was known for her ability to bring people together. Her home was a gathering place where family and friends felt welcome and loved, always filled with laughter, warmth, and the delicious smells of her cooking. Her family was her greatest joy, and she took immense pride in being a mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother. Her grandchildren and great-grandchildren were her pride and joy, and she poured her love into each of them, making lasting memories with every visit.

Along with her parents and husband, Susie was preceded in death by her brother, Ken Rogers, and her beloved grandson, Gavin Miller, the son of Tonya Simmons Bernard. Susie is survived by her siblings: Robert Rogers (Lee), Dianne Wells, and Donna Beasley; children: Sabrina Simmons Shinn and her husband, Rick, Tonya Simmons Bernard, and Thomas Wayne Simmons Jr.; grandchildren: Benjamin Simmons and his wife, Ashley, Jeffery Shinn, Brooke Shinn, Blair Shinn, Hannah Thomas, Abigail Bernard, and Tristan Simmons; great-grandchildren: Ripken Simmons, and her soon-to-arrive great-grandchild, Lakelynn, who she was eagerly awaiting with open arms.

Though Susie has left this earth, her spirit will forever live on in the hearts of all who knew and loved her. She will be deeply missed by her family, friends, and all who were fortunate enough to know her.

The family will be receiving family and friends on Thursday July 24, 2025, from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. at Tharp Funeral Home, Lynchburg. A service will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Friday July 25, 2025, at Tharp Funeral Home, Lynchburg. Interment will be at at Fort Hill Cemetery. A Luncheon will follow after the interment at Langhorne Chapel in Evington, Virginia.

Tharp Funeral Home & Crematory, Lynchburg, is assisting the family.