Virginia Eileen Simmons

</element><element id="paragraph-1" type="body"><![CDATA[Virginia Eileen Simmons, age 84, of Du Quoin, Ill., passed away on Tuesday, July 20, 2010 at 9:40 a.m. in Marshall Browning Hospital, Du Quoin, Ill.

Virginia was born on Feb. 15, 1926 in Old Du Quoin, Ill., a daughter to Ralph H. and Lillian M. (Mann) Fred, Sr. On Nov. 6, 1948, she married Frank H. Simmons in Christopher, Ill. and he preceded her in death on Oct. 23, 1978. She was of the Catholic faith and attended Sacred Heart Catholic Church, Du Quoin, Ill. She began her working career at Du Quoin Packing and General Telephone and later retired after working for over 25 years as an executive secretary at Phelps Dodge, which later became known as B.I.C.C Cable. Virginia enjoyed spending time with her family and dearly loved her dogs.

She is survived by her sister, Margie Pallett of Northridge, Calif.; a brother, Ralph H. Fred, Jr. of Northridge, Calif.; several nieces and nephews; her beloved dog, Snoopy; and dear friends, Gerald Sanders, Sr. and Judy Irwin, both of Elkville, Ill. and Richard and Shirley Anheuser of Old Du Quoin, Ill.

She was preceded in death by her parents, husband, and two infant sisters.

Family graveside services were held at Sunset Memorial Park, Du Quoin, Ill. on Thursday, July 22, 2010 at 10:00 a.m. with Father Nick Junker officiating. Family and friends were asked to go directly to the cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Perry County Humane Society.

Pyatt Funeral Home, Du Quoin, Ill. was in charge of the arrangements. For more information or to sign an online guest register, please visit, www.pyattfuneralhome.com.