April 22, 1936 – Aug. 9, 2026
Betty Johnson Simmons, 90, of Troutville, passed away on August 9, 2026, in Myrtle Beach, S.C., surrounded by family. She was born April 22, 1936, in Buchanan to Clarence Edward Johnson and Sallie Mays Johnson.
Betty’s life centered around her family, and nothing brought her more joy than the occasions when everyone could be together. She was known for cooking large family meals for every holiday, always hoping to have the people she loved gathered in one place. She always found a reason to go shopping and took great joy in spoiling her grandchildren, great-grandchildren, nieces, and nephews. Betty also treasured time with her sisters, whose endless conversation and laughter were a constant throughout their lives.
The beach held a particularly special place in Betty’s life. She and Hugh spent many cherished years at Myrtle Beach, beginning with annual family trips with their two sons each August and sharing many trips with their siblings and extended family. As the family grew, those trips continued with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren, often for weeks at a time. Betty was happiest spending the entire day on the sand and under the sun. The beach remained one of her favorite places throughout her life.
Betty also spent many years working alongside Hugh in the office of Hugh’s Body Shop and Truck Service, providing an important foundation of support for the family business they built together.
Above all, Betty loved her family deeply. She treasured the times when everyone was together and spent a lifetime creating reasons for that to happen, whether around her table, during the holidays, or year after year at the beach. The traditions she began and the memories made through them will remain part of her family for generations.
Betty was preceded in death by her husband of 65 years, Hugh Norwood Simmons; sisters, Dorothy “Dot” Simmons and Ruby Tolley; brother, Henry Johnson; brothers-in-law, Donald Simmons, Calvin Montgomery, and Sherman Simmons; niece, Janet Simmons; and nephew, David Simmons.
She is survived by her sister, Virginia Montgomery; sons, Steve Simmons and wife Donna, Danny Simmons and wife Julie; grandchildren, Jason Simmons, Stephanie Simmons, Jessica Clarke and husband Joshua; and great-grandchildren, Axel, Ryland, Nevaeh, Kai, Jayce, Jazzlynn, and Ivie; step-grandchildren, Erik Wampler and wife, Martha, Chelsey Craft and husband, Jared.
She is also survived by nieces, Tammy Coffey and husband Jeffery, and Janie Coley; nephews, Lewis Montgomery and wife Kathy, and Eddie Johnson and wife Nancy; and great-nephews, Taylor, Austin, and Logan Campbell; along with many other beloved family members.
Visitation will be held from 12-2 p.m. with funeral services at 2 p.m. on Saturday, August 22, 2026 in the Buchanan Chapel of Botetourt Funeral Home. Interment will follow in Mill Creek Cemetery. In lieu of flowers, please consider donations to the Cancer Society or the Kidney Foundation. Online condolences may be shared with the family at www.botetourtfh.com or by calling 540-254-3000.
