Deanna Michelle Simmons

Fayetteville

Miss Deanna “Michelle” Simmons, 34, of Fayetteville, went home to be with her Lord and Savior, Jesus Christ on Thursday, November 10, 2022 at her home.

The funeral services will be held at 2:00pm on Tuesday, November 15, 2022 at Mount Carmel Church of God of Prophecy, 1655 Mount Carmel Church Road, Autryville, with Pastor Bryan Strickland and Pastor Mark Knight officiating.  Burial will follow at the Mount Carmel Church Cemetery.

The family will receive friends and family on Monday, November 14, 2022 from 6:00pm to 8:00pm at the Mount Carmel Family Life Center.

These words cannot possibly sum up the life of such a beautiful person, but it is a glimpse into her blessed time here on this earth.

Michelle was born on November 7, 1988 in Clinton to Ronnie and Barbara Simmons.  Michelle grew up in Autryville with her parents and older brother, Brandon.  She graduated from Lakewood High School in 2007, graduating in the Top 10 of her class, was crowned Miss Lakewood High School, was voted “best personality” by her peers, and recognized as having perfect attendance from kindergarten to 12th grade.  She was also crowned Miss Relay for Life in 2006.

Michelle then attended Methodist University, where she was a founding member of Alpha Delta Pi Sorority. Michelle was crowned Miss Methodist University in 2009.  She graduated in 2011 with a Bachelor of Science in Special Education.

Michelle had a passion for individuals with special needs, and she made it her life’s work to improve the lives of those children.  Michelle served as a special education teacher in Cumberland County for 11 years, teaching at Max Abbott Middle School and Margaret Willis Elementary School.  She was also an after-school tutor at the Huntington Learning Center.

Michelle was truly a shining light in her community, with a heart of gold and commitment to serving others.  She was recently appointed as a board member of the “Jarred Bryan Spark Foundation” with the School of Hope for autism in Fayetteville.  Michelle was an active volunteer: cheerleading coach for the Special Olympics, “Night to Shine” special needs prom date,  and Gilmore Recreational Center for disabilities, just to name a few.

Michelle was a member of Epicenter Church in Fayetteville and was actively involved in the children’s ministry and community outreach.

Michelle is survived by her parents, Ronnie and Barbara Simmons of Autryville;  brother, Brandon and sister-in-law Stacy, nephew Bryce and niece Evelyn, of Clinton; grandfather, Thomas Knowles of Autryville; Aunts/Uncles: Vickie and Mark Turlington of Clinton; Faye and Bill Darden of Suffolk, VA; Tammy Simmons of Autryville; Ronnie and Frieda Knowles of Dunn.

Cousins: Keli and David Sykes, Bayli, Tenli, and Dylan Sykes of Fayetteville; Kara and Kameron Turlington of Clinton; Krystin and Bryce Donaldson of Kingsland, GA; Allen and Susan Darden of Suffolk, VA; and best friend, Haley Cooper and mother, Carrie Ann Cooper of Salemburg.

Preceded in death by: paternal grandparents Ashley and Mary Jewel Simmons; maternal grandmother Shirley Knowles; and Aunt Sylvia Ford.

Michelle was a faithful follower of Jesus Christ, who loved her family, friends, students, and church with all of her heart.  She truly made this world a better place and her light will continue to shine through others she touched.

Flowers are welcome.  Donations to “The Jarred Bryan Sparks Foundation” in honor of Michelle are also appreciated.

Services entrusted to Butler Funeral Home, 401 W. Roseboro Street, Roseboro, NC.