Joyce Ann Dow Simmons of Christiansburg, Virginia, passed away in her sleep at her home on June 10, 2025, at the age of 72. She is preceded in death by her parents, Joseph R. Dow, and Mabel B. Dow; her ex-husband of over 20 years, Chauncey L. Simmons, Sr.; and her brothers, Douglas Dowe, Rev. Howard W. Dow (Edna), and James M. "Mike" Dow, Sr. (Loretha "Sissy").

She leaves to cherish her memory two brothers Lowell "Tony" Dow and Cornell Dow; three children, Erricka Simmons, Joyce "Joy" Phillips (Atiim), and Chauncey Simmons II; grandchildren Sergio Simmons, William Jolly, Joshua Jolly, Alexandria Jolly, Kweli Phillips, Amira Phillips, and Tomi Simmons; as well as a multitude of beloved nieces, nephews, cousins, and cherished friends.

Born in 1952, Joyce was the only daughter among five brothers with whom she had a close lifelong bond. She grew up in Elliston surrounded by extended family. One of her greatest joys was to spend time with her loved ones. She would host cookouts and holidays at her home surrounded by her brothers, their families, and her friends. In fact, she never seemed to meet a stranger. She was always open to meeting new people and making new friends. Joyce loved to cook, dance, and listen to music. She also enjoyed singing in First Baptist Church Elliston's choir, The Spirits of Faith.

Joyce embraced life and lived it to its fullest, whether it was work, travel, or family. After graduating from cosmetology school, she opened a beauty salon in Christiansburg, Virginia. Her beauty salon became a staple in the community, serving college students from Virginia Tech and Radford, professionals, childhood friends, family members, and others in the community. Eventually, she expanded her business to a second salon location in Pulaski. Even though she opened only the two salons, customers came from all over the New River Valley, Roanoke, and beyond. Joyce was a hard worker and taught her children the value of hard work and dedication as well.

She loved art, travel, and experiencing new things. Joyce eventually moved to Florida, where she expanded her friendships and continued to attend plays, concerts, and travel. Anyone who visited her home has seen her delight in decorating her home to reflect her various adventures. Despite enjoying her time in Florida, she eventually wished to move closer to her family and returned to Virginia.

More than anything, Joyce loved her children and especially her grandchildren. She prized time spent with family and friends. She was not afraid to speak her mind, but was quick with a hug and words of affection and praise. She was always willing to lend a helping hand if she could. She will be remembered as someone who packed a lot of living into the time God gave her and a lot of personality contained in a woman who was slightly over five feet.

A Memorial Service will be held on Saturday, June 21st, 2025, at First Baptist Church in Elliston with a Visitation at 12 p.m. and the Service to begin at 1 p.m. Please join us as we honor the life and memory of Joyce Ann Dow Simmons.