Jo-Ann Simmons Obituary

Jo-Ann Long Simmons, 84, died on Friday, July 18, 2025. The first child of Joseph H. Long and Ann C. Long, JoAnn was joined by two brothers and a sister in the next few years. Joe and Ann raised Jo-Ann, along with her siblings, in a home that fostered a deep sense of faith. Ann's influence guided Jo-Ann to a lifelong commitment to her Roman Catholic faith.
After graduating Sacred Heart in Cullman, Jo-Ann undertook positions in a local law office and in an area hospital. She married in 1961 and became mother to her son, Jay, in 1962 and her daughter, Jeri, in 1965. While raising her children, she worked as the bookkeeper for Joe Long's paint and wallpaper store in Sheffield, a role she retained until her father closed the store in 1982.
Jo-Ann fostered close relationships with family and friends. Some of her warmest and most recounted memories involved tales of time spent with her cousin Charlie Colagross, a close friend throughout his life. She also maintained close ties over her life with her brothers, Charles and Bill, as well as her sister, Jean.
Some of her fondest experiences involved travel and time with family and friends. Jo-Ann often shared memories of a Caribbean cruise with lifelong friends Pat and Martha Staley of Muscle Shoals, meals and laughter with Red and Genevieve Harris, also of Muscle Shoals, or weekends caring for her grandchildren.
In addition to her love for the Church, Jo-Ann also cared deeply for St. Jude Children's Research Hospital in Memphis. Her last gift to St. Jude's was the donation of her car when she realized that she could no longer safely drive.
Jo-Ann is survived by her children, Jeri Lackey of Athens, Alabama, and Jay & Jenne' Simmons of Overland Park, Kansas; her granddaughters Samantha and Madison Simmons, both of Des Moines, Iowa; her sister Jean Long Adams, of Olive Branch, Mississippi; sisters-in-law Brenda Long of Bartlett, Tennessee and Joy Long of Florence, Alabama; and a host of cousins, nephews, and nieces across the region.
A visitation with family will occur on Friday, July 25, 2025, at 10:00 a.m. at Our Lady of the Shoals Catholic Church, 200 E Commons St N, Tuscumbia, AL 35674. A funeral Mass and graveside service will follow at 11:00 a.m. at Our Lady of the Shoals. While Jo-Ann always loved and appreciated flowers, she would also have encouraged gifts to St. Jude Children's Research Hospital.
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