Sandra Lou Simmons, 82 departed this world on August 6, 2021. She was born in Roanoke, the daughter of the late Wythe LaHugh (Hugh) Cassell and Lucy (Frances) Cassell.

Sandra was a beautiful lady with an indomitable spirit.  She loved rock and roll music, N.Y. City, Las Vegas, travel in general, great food, and parties.

A staunch democrat she supported equal rights for people of all races, genders, and sexual orientations.  She supported many charities, particularly St. Jude's, the National Organization of Women, and the Veterans Hospital.

She began her career in beauty school and worked her way up to be a regional manager of Glenby International.  She later started her own salon, "HairTrends Inc," with some of her family and friends.  She was a mentor and an inspiration to many in the hair business.

She had a generous and loving spirit and loved having her family and friends over for wonderful dinners.  She was a great cook, photographer, and nature lover.  She loved her home on Bent Mt. and her friends and neighbors there.  She had a great sense of humor and was a creative thinker.  Her philosophy of life is reflected in the lyrics of the song,  "I Hope You Dance" by Lee Ann Womack;

I hope you never lose your sense of wonder

Never take one single breath for granted

Never settle for the path of least resistance

Give faith a chance.

She is preceded in death by her husband Jack Simmons, brother-in-law Larry Bryant, and ex-husband Jasper Jones.

Left to cherish her memory are her Brother Jimmy Cassell, ( Debbie), sister Bonnie Nunley ( Pete), special brother-in-law Dewy Bryant (Janie), and sister-in-law Pat Simmons. Her children, Joy Jones (Charlie), Dawn Campbell (Mark), Yvette Jones (Allen), Jesse Simmons  (Lori); her grandchildren Tony Campbell, Erica Blankenship (Darren), Amy Campbell, Brandon Jones, Emma Jones, Alex Curtis, Aria, and Caleb Simmons;  some special nieces and nephews, great-grandchildren and many dear friends including her partner in crime, Mary Ann Maslich.

The family would like to thank some special caregivers; Kimberly Hairston, Kim Owens, Betty, Tine, Ann,  the caregivers at Edley Place, Rheanna, Sarah, and Centra Hospice.

A celebration of Sandra's life will be held on Wednesday, August 6th at Parkway Brewing Company at 739 Kessler Mill Rd, Exit 141 off 1-81, Salem VA,  parkwaybrewing.com.