Sarah Beth Stanford Simms

OBITUARY: SARAH BETH STANFORD SIMMS, Dandridge, TN, born November 15, 1914 in Linden, TX, died on August 8, 2006. Sarah Beth was one of fourteen children, twelve of whom earned a college degree during the depression years. She is survived by three brothers, Dr. Cooper Stanford and wife, Dr. Teeny Stanford of Memphis, TN, Dr. Ed Stanford and wife, Fern of Little Rock, Arkansas and Dan Stanford and wife, Violet, both retired teachers, of Linden, Texas; as well as many nieces and nephews. She was blessed with family. Sarah Beth moved to Knoxville in the 1960?s and married Charles Sumner Simms, who preceded her in death in 1964. She has one step grandchild, Charles Sumner Simms III and wife, Carol S. Simms; four step great-grandchildren, and six great-great grandchildren from this marriage. Sarah Beth was known as ?Granny Simms? to her Tennessee family and ?Aunt Beth? to her Texas family, and she was so loved by both families. She was a member of the First Baptist Church of Knoxville for 53 years, and a Red Cross Volunteer for over 50 years, actively serving her country during World War II. She supported many organizations during her life time and was well traveled, having visited many foreign countries, as well as most of the United States. She loved to tell others about her traveling experiences. She was patriotic and politically active most of her life; loved the outdoors and her favorite pastime was hiking in the Smoky Mountains. She was an avid birdwatcher and she loved wildlife. She taught swimming lessons at the YWCA for many years and loved the water. Sarah Beth spent her last years at the home of her step-grandson, and her favorite pastime there was watching the boats go by on Douglas Lake. Granny Simms always had a smile on her face, love in her heart, and a good word for everyone. She will be missed by all that knew her. Granny?s body will be buried in Linden, Texas at the Linden Cemetery, but her soul is safe in the arms of Jesus. A memorial service will be held at the pavilion on the Simms residence, 170 Plantation Point, Dandridge, TN, on Friday, August 11, 2006 at 10:00 a.m. with Reverend Larry DeVault officiating. In lieu of flowers, please send remembrances to the Dandridge First United Methodist Church, who ministered faithfully to her during her years in Dandridge. Arrangements by Farrar Funeral Home in Jefferson City, TN (865) 475-3892 www.farrarfuneralhome.com