Patricia "Pat" Lee Painter Simmons

Patricia Lee "Pat" Painter Simmons, 86, of Fincastle, died Monday, Aug. 17, at home of cancer. She was preceded in death by her parents, Hunter M. and Viola W. Painter, and her beloved husband and partner of 55 years William M. "Bill" Simmons, with whom she fell in love, upon first sight, at age 4. Pat graduated from Hollins College, where she received many honors, including being the first freshman to play on the varsity basketball team. She received her master's degree from Radford College. For 31 years, she taught men and women, boys and girls, the subject of mathematics -- a subject about which she was passionate -- but her interests were wide and varied. She loved sewing of all types, particularly quilting; playing golf and bridge; yard-saleing and antiquing; spending time on Craig's Creek with her family; flowers; music; and traveling, especially when she was able to do so with Bill in their motor home. She was quick-witted, sharp-tongued, artistic, endlessly creative, competitive, athletic, generous, civic-minded, always sociable, and a faithful friend to many. Over the years, she was an active member of Fincastle Presbyterian Church, Big Spring Garden Club, Historic Fincastle Inc., and numerous reading and bridge groups. Pat is survived by her sister, Peggy C. Davis of Fincastle; daughter Monty and son-in-law Marshall Leitch of Floyd County; daughter Patsy and son-in-law David Dickerson of Radford; son Willie and daughter-in-law Brenda Simmons of Fincastle; and many dear nieces and nephews. She also leaves many friends and neighbors who honored her during her months of illness with visits, cards, calls, and gifts of food and flowers, for which the family is deeply grateful. The survivors dearest to her in all the world, however, are her grandchildren and their partners: Patrick Dickerson and wife Ariel Hendrickson of Apex, NC; Hunter and Meredith Simmons of San Luis Obispo, CA; William Dickerson and Kyleen King of Raleigh, NC; Leeann Dickerson and Scott Crews of Raleigh, NC; and Allen Dickerson of Radford. The family will receive visitors at Pat's home, 427 E. Main Street, Fincastle, Friday, Aug. 21, 4:30-7:30 p.m. A graveside service will be held in Godwin Cemetery, Fincastle, Saturday, Aug. 22, at 11 a.m. The celebration of her life will continue following the service in the Fellowship Hall of Fincastle Presbyterian Church. Those who wish to make memorial contributions are asked to consider a charity of their choice. Arrangements by Botetourt Funeral Home, Buchanan Chapel. 540-254-3000