December 18, 1936 – April 4, 2022

Joanne Simmons Best, 85, of Fairfield, died Monday, April 4, 2022, at her residence in Fairfield.

Joanne was born in Beaufort County, on December 18, 1936, to the late Joseph Leslie Simmons Jr. and Maxine Boomer Simmons.

She was a cook for the former Mattamuskeet Inn for many years and later worked from home as a bookkeeper for OE Sadler and Son, Fairfield Sales, and Eat Fresh produce for many years before retiring at the age of eighty-two years old. Joanne was a member of the Order of the Eastern Star and a faithful member of Fairfield Church of Christ.

A graveside service was held at 11 a.m., Thursday, April 7, 2022, at Fairfield Cemetery. Don Nixon officiated.

Surviving is a daughter Elayne B. Hammel (Mickey) of Fairfield; one granddaughter Crystal Gibbs (Toby) of Fairfield; two great-grandchildren, Valerie Noelle Gibbs and Brady Maxwell Gibbs; two sisters, Betty S. Mann of Fairfield and Donna S. Nifong of Fairfield; one brother, Joseph Leslie Simmons III (Audrey) of Fairfield; six nephews, two nieces and many great-nieces, great-nephews, great-great-nieces, and great-great-nephews.

She was preceded in death by a grandson Dale Modlin; a stepson James Earl Best, a nephew David Mann and a long-time special friend Mayhew Williams Sr.

The family received friends immediately following the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to Fairfield Church of Christ in the care of Linwood Hudson, 4765 Piney Woods Road Fairfield, NC 27826, or Cemetery Circle care of Lora Byrd, 2056 New Lands Road Fairfield, NC 27826.

Arrangements are by Bryan Funeral Service, Swan Quarter.

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