SUFFOLK - Abby JoAnn Gibbons Simmons of 307 Johnson Street, Suffolk, VA died Monday, April 13, 2009 at her residence. She was a native of Nansemond County and the daughter of the late James Davis and Lula Lee Gibbons. She was also predeceased by one sister, Elnora Wiggins and one brother, Walker Gibbons.

She was a graduate of Forest Glen High School and attended Paul D. Camp Community College. She was presently Head Cook at Nansemond Point Rehab Center.

She leaves to cherish her memory her husband, Paul A. Simmons; two daughters, Lenora J. Simmons and Kanesha A. Simmons both of Suffolk; four sisters, Barbara Lee Gibbons, Darlene Ann Little, Libby I. Hawk and Paulette Gibbons all of Suffolk; two brothers, James A. Gibbons and Paul Gibbons both of Suffolk; a sister-in-law, Rosa Gibbons; two brothers-in-law, Willie James Hawk and Roger Wiggins; three nieces, Lula Ellis, Rochquell Jackson and Chiquita Gibbons; one nephew, Leon Gibbons; her godmother, Goldie Godley; and a host of other relatives and friends.

A funeral service will be held at 1:00 p.m. Saturday, April 18, 2009 in Rising St James PHC officiated by Bishop Dwight Whitfield. Interment will be in Gethsemane Church Cemetery. A wake will be held 7:00 – 8:00 p.m. Friday, April 17, 2009 in the chapel of Crocker Funeral Home.