Stella Simmons

Stella Hill Simmons, age 97 of Knoxville, passed away at home on May 25th, 2021 surrounded by her family who lovingly cared for her during her brief illness. She was born in Bell County, KY on October 23, 1923 and raised in New Tazewell, TN. She retired from the University of Tennessee Food Service Department in 1995. Stella had a passion for cooking. She was happiest when she was preparing a huge, delicious meal for her family to enjoy as they gathered at her house on holidays and every Sunday. She loved watching the Atlanta Braves, quilting, going to yard sales, working jigsaw puzzles, collecting animal planters, tending to her flowers and houseplants, going to the beach, watching her family participate in sports, listening to gospel music and watching Hallmark movies. She was the matriarch of her family and she was dearly loved and respected. She was preceded in death by her husband, Raleigh Simmons; son Ralph Simmons; infant grandsons, Kyle Lynn Jr and Kevin Eugene Simmons; parents Vern Hill and Mary Poore Hill Steadman (Babaw); brothers, Clyde, Lee and Frank Hill; sisters, Edith Large, Eula Gray Wells and Ada Billingsley; and half-brother Mack Hill. She is survived by son, Kyle (Patricia) Simmons; daughter, Deborah (Calvin) Lanning; grandchildren, Tammy (Andy) Newman, Scotti (Elisa) Simmons, Kristi Martin, Kevin (Becky) Simmons, Denton Lanning, Jonathan (Stephen Lewis) Lanning; great grandchildren, Jessica (Warren) Wiser, Corey Newman, Bailey and Griffin Simmons, Ryleigh Martin, Olive and Dottie Simmons, Bryson, Dane, Victoria and Emma Lanning; great great grandchildren, Megan and Peyton Wiser, Carter Newman; and numerous nieces and nephews. The family would like to thank Smoky Mountain Hospice and staff, especially Diane and Loraine for their loving care and compassion. Friends may call at their convenience on Saturday, May 29, 2021 from 9:00am-6:00pm at Mynatt Funeral Home Fountain City Chapel. The family will be available from 4:00pm-6:00pm followed by a funeral service. Family and friends will meet at 12:45pm Sunday, May 30, 2021 at Lynnhurst Cemetery for a 1:00pm graveside service with Larry Woods officiating. Online condolences may be expressed at www.mynattfh.com.