Dorothy E. Gillespie Simmons

Dorothy E. Gillespie Simmons, 99, formerly of Parkesburg, passed away on Sunday, December 14, 2008 at her residence at the Tel-Hai Retirement Community. She was the widow of the late John E. Simmons, who passed away in 1970.

Born in Parkesburg, she was the daughter of the late Arthur Gillespie and Cora Belle Entrekin Gillespie. An area resident her entire life, she was a 1927 graduate of the Parkesburg High School. She has been a member of the Parkesburg Baptist Church for over 80 years where she formerly taught Sunday School and had been the Assistant Director of the Junior Choir. She was also a member of the Order of The Eastern Star, Chris-Penn Chapter #455 of Christiana and the Parkesburg Fire Co. Auxiliary.

She is survived by her two sons: John A. Simmons Sr., husband of Shirley, of Parkesburg and Barry E. Simmons Sr., husband of Dottie, of Coatesville; six grandchildren, Jack Simmons Jr., Sheryl Simmons Bischoff, Jeffery Simmons, Susan Urban, Barry Simmons Jr. and Robin Lynn Stoltzfus; 12 great grandchildren, three great, great grandchildren and two great, great, great step-grandchildren. She was preceded in death by four siblings: Marion B. Mercer, Carmine Beckloff, Lyle Gillespie, and Charles Gillespie.

The funeral service will be held on Wednesday, December 17, 2008 at 11 AM at the Parkesburg Baptist Church, 103 West St., Parkesburg, PA 19365, followed by interment in the Upper Octorara Cemetery of Parkesburg. Family and friends are invited to attend the viewing, which will be held at the Church from 10 AM until the time of the service.

In lieu of flowers, donations may be made to the Parkesburg Baptist Church Memorial Fund at the above address.

Online condolences can be posted at www.wildefuneralhome.com