Sara Barineau Simmons

Starting her adventure in May of 1958, Sara navigated through a difficult childhood with her twin brothers (Joe and Eric) and sisters, (Debra Kay and Sharon). Eric being the last to grace us with his presence a bit longer, not yet ready to join his siblings in the hereafter.

As Sara blossomed into adulthood, her life continued to throw curve balls at her, but by this time, she was an excellent batter. When told she could not do something, she would grab her bat – readying herself for the homerun to come.

One example, due to medical reasons, she was not supposed to be able to have children. After marrying John Simmons in 1978, she grabbed her bat – taking her stance. Hitting homerun after homerun, she produced five children (Jennifer Dawn, Katherine Dee, Benjamin Paul, Diana Lee, and Stephanie Nicole). The last stretch was rough, cancer creeped in. But not to be beat, she armed herself with her Faith in Jesus Christ and had Stephanie before knocking the cancer out of the park.

She raised her children with faith, intensity, insight, vivacity and values – encouraging each child to become the best they could be, and pursuing their dreams. She listened to their stories, while encouraging them to make ethical decisions – regardless of popular belief or acceptance. She would do anything for her children, making sacrifices that most parents would not – believing it was in her children’s best interest.

In the winter of 1997, she became a grandmother aka Grammy. Sara would always have a few of her grandchildren (Pebbles Shanna Marie, Clay, Autumn Brooke, Breana Lyn, Madisen Kristena, Thomas Enrique, John Henry, Benjamin Paul Jr., Brandon Grant, Monica Lee, Mindy Maria, Michael Alexzander, Kolby Jacob, Logan Zack, and Zane Anthony) around. She assisted her children and their spouses (Thomas Sykes married to Cassie, Natalie Simmons married to Ben, and Michael Branson, married to Diana) with raising her grandchildren with the same beliefs she raised her children.

Please join us to celebrate her life Friday, May 13th. The viewing will start at 1:00 pm, followed by the Service at 2:00 pm. Please share your memories and photos of Momma on the online link as the funeral home has let us know those comments and stories would be used to create a memory book for us. My family would be beyond grateful. Refreshments will also be available as food was one of Momma’s favorite things.

If anyone would like to contribute to the costs of her funeral, those donations would be greatly appreciated. Donations can be given directly to Culley’s funeral home. Or if you prefer, given to her daughters’ Jennifer Simmons or Katherine Sykes, the ones making the arrangements.