Marion Cranford Simmons

Marian Cranford Simmons, beloved mother, grandmother, and great-grandmother, passed away peacefully on Wednesday, May 7, 2025, at the age of 103. Born on June 26, 1921, in Cochran, Georgia, Marian led a remarkable life full of love, dedication and service.

Marian graduated Cochran High School and Middle Georgia State University. Following her education, she moved to Brunswick, Georgia and worked in the front office of J. A. Jones Construction (who were building liberty boats for the war effort). She later moved to Atlanta, Georgia and worked for the Federal Housing Administration for 7 years.  It was in Atlanta that she met the love of her life, the late Charles G. Simmons. They were married on Flag Day, June 14, 1949.  They moved to Aiken, SC, in 1952 with their first-born son, Charlie. It was here that they raised their family and became members of the growing Aiken community. Her career as an Executive Secretary in the Department of Safeguards and Security for the Atomic Energy Commission and later the Department of Energy spanned for 33 years. Her unwavering commitment to government service totaled 40 years culminating with her retirement in 1985.

As a member of St John’s Methodist Church for 73 years, Marian served her church and God faithfully her entire life.  Her contributions to her community included not only her professional and church service but also the cherished neighborhood bridge club with friends.

She was a true Southern Lady who enjoyed entertaining and cooking for anyone who visited her in her home. She was a loyal fan of the Georgia Tech Yellow Jackets, USC Gamecocks and Atlanta Braves. Marian enjoyed traveling post-retirement exploring places like the Black Forest in Germany, Austria, Switzerland, British Columbia, and Mackinac Island, Michigan. She always had a travel bag ready for her annual trips to Myrtle Beach and Hilton Head where many memories were created with her family.  These adventures were a testament to her zest for life and her appreciation for new experiences and friendships.

Marian is survived by her four children: Charles Gordon Simmons, Jr. of Hilton Head, SC; Gary Wyndal Simmons of Aiken, SC; Kenneth Cranford Simmons of Conyers, GA and Joy Simmons Toohey (John) of Greenville, SC.  She was a cherished grandmother to Melanie, Scott, Gordon, and Kendal (Schuyler).  She was a proud great grandmother to Alexa, Alyssa, Gabriela, Kalebh, Seth, Tinsley, Monroe, and Charlie.

Marian was preceded in death by her grandfather, George Washington Cranford, her father Turner S. Cranford, her mother Alma Blackshear Cranford, her husband, Charles Gordon Simmons, Sr., a devoted daughter-in-law, Cynthia Simmons and loving sister, Helen C. Menke.

Family and friends are invited to celebrate Marian’s life at a funeral service on Monday, May 19th, 2025, at 1:00 PM in the sanctuary of St. John's Methodist Church in Aiken SC, officiated by Butch Blackwell. Burial will be at Sunset Memorial Gardens following the service.

In lieu of flowers, the family kindly requests donations be made to St. John's Methodist Church in Marian’s honor. Arrangements are entrusted to The Historic George Funeral Home & Cremation Center, Aiken, SC.

Marian’s legacy is one of generosity, strength, and a life well-lived. She will be deeply missed by all who knew her, leaving behind memories that will be cherished forever.