Deborah Carleane Simmons

Deborah Carleane Simmons, 65, of Jonesboro, widow of Earnest Simmons, died Saturday, Feb. 15, 2020, at the Barnes-Jewish Hospital in St. Louis. Born in Hot Springs, she was the daughter of the late Carl and Nellie Pilgrim Kemp and was raised in the Lepanto and West Ridge areas. A 1971 graduate of Misco High School, she later received a degree from Cotton Boll Vo-Tech as a licensed practical nurse and worked for 15 years at St. Bernards Medical Center in Jonesboro. In addition to her parents and husband, she was preceded in death by a daughter, Tammy Smith, and two brothers, Dennis Kemp and David Vickery.

Survivors include one son, Gregory Simmons (Stephanie) of Pocahontas; one daughter, Christian Taylor of Lepanto; one brother, Danny Kemp of Cherry Valley; two sisters, Sharon Herman of Lepanto and Susan Morris of Jonesboro. She also leaves nine grandchildren and five great-grandchildren.

Funeral service will be 10:30 a.m. Tuesday, Feb. 18, in the Caraway Cemetery with Russ Whitingham officiating. Burial is under the direction of Howard Funeral Service of Manila. The family will receive visitors Monday evening from 6-8 at the funeral home. Friends may sign the online guest register at www.HowardFuneralService.com.