Jane Emmer Simonton

Jane Emmer Simonton, beloved wife, mother, grandmother, sister, and friend, passed peacefully on May 20, 2026, at the age of 70. Born on December 12, 1955, Jane lived a life rooted in faith, family, and quiet strength. She was the steady heart of her family—kind, loving, and always ready with a listening ear, a warm meal, and words that made hard days gentler.

We take comfort in knowing Jane is reunited in heaven with her loving husband, Tommy Simonton; her dear parents and siblings, embraced once more by the family who went before her. The hope of that reunion brings light to our grief.

Jane’s greatest joy was her family. She is survived by her children: Tena Simonton and her partner, Kevin Maxwell; Tonya Simonton; Tony Simonton; Tracy Upchurch and her husband, Steven; and Todd Simonton. She was a proud and devoted grandmother to Hailey Simonton, Joel Berry, Nathan Simonton, Tommy Berry, Makai Simonton, Naomi Simonton, Kehlani Maxwell, Khalil Maxwell, Aria Maxwell, Timothy Simonton, Randall Forehand, Jeremy Ramsey, Hunter Ramsey, and Maci Simonton. She is a delighted great-grandmother to Sariah Simonton, Strider, Maddie, JJ, and Eden. She is also survived by her loving sisters: Gail Cheatham, Bernice Frederick, Melissa Bowen. As well as many nieces and nephews who all cherished her love.

Jane’s life was a tapestry of everyday grace—loving calls to check in, holiday traditions that made every gathering feel like home, and the quiet courage to keep going and lift others up along the way. She taught by example that kindness is strength, that family is chosen again every day, and that love multiplies when it’s shared.

A celebration of Jane’s life will be held at a later date with family and close friends.

“Here’s to strong mothers: may we know them, may we be them, may we raise them.”