Frances Elgin Simmons was born to Frank R. Elgin and Susie McGill Elgin in Anderson, South Carolina on August 16, 1919. She was educated in Anderson and after graduating from Anderson College, her mother’s alma mater, she moved to Florida. In Tampa, she worked for the office of Price Administration, and later she worked for Tampa Gas Co. as supervisor of customer service.
Frances met and married Jack I. Simmons in Tampa, where they lived for 7½ years before moving to Gainesville with their infant daughter in May 1947. She was one of the original stockholders of the Dixie Life Insurance Co. and served on the Board of Directors. She was then Secretary and Treasurer of Jack Simmons Insurance Agency in Gainesville for 25 years.
Frances was a long-time member of the First United Methodist Church, The Gainesville Women’s Club for 72 years, and several Bridge Clubs. She was a volunteer at the church office, a member of the Cum Dubl Sunday School Class, and the United Methodist Women. Frances also served as a member of the Altar Guild.
Frances is survived by her daughter Sue Ellen Simmons; brothers John W. Elgin, Fred Elgin, and their wives Carolyn Elgin and Katherine Elgin. She was preceded in death by her son Daryl E. Simmons; her husband Jack I. Simmons; brothers James Raymond Elgin, Daniel A. Elgin, Samuel A. Elgin, David E. Elgin, Frank R. Elgin, Jr.; and her sister Martha L. Evatt.
Graveside services will be held on Friday October 1, 2021, at 11:00am at Forest Meadows East Cemetery on Hawthorne Road. Arrangements are under the care of MILAM FUNERAL AND CREMATION SERVICES 311 S. Main ST Gainesville, FL 32601. 376-5361 www.milamfh.com
