March 9, 1944 - July 2, 2025
Ms. Alma Dorothy Simmons, 81, passed away on July 2, 2025, in Statesboro, Georgia.
Alma was born on March 9, 1944, in Leicestershire, United Kingdom, to Author William and Constance Battams.
Alma was best known for her quiet strength and love for family. She enjoyed reading, attending plays, & morning walks. She had a green thumb and enjoyed planting and maintaining annuals in her backyard.
Alma Battams Simmons lived a life full of joy, dedication, and love for her family and community. A native of the United Kingdom, she made her first journey to the United States in 1973 as a proud military wife of a U.S. Air Force serviceman and ex-husband, Ronald Simmons. Throughout the years, she embraced the adventure of living in five different states across the country, ultimately settling in Cairo, Georgia, where she retired from Torrington - The Timken Company. In her later years, she relocated to Statesboro, Georgia, to be closer to her immediate family.
Alma was a woman of many passions. She loved to travel and cherished time spent with family, especially enjoying meals out and catching movies together. Her nurturing spirit extended beyond her home, as she volunteered her time teaching senior chair yoga at the Cairo Senior Center, sharing health and mindfulness with others.
An avid gardener with a true green thumb, Alma found peace and fulfillment in tending to her plants and staying active outdoors. She especially enjoyed her early morning walks around Barber Park in Cairo and later along Coach Lee Road in Statesboro. Her loyal Boston Terrier, Boojoe, was her constant companion and source of joy.
Alma's life was marked by grace, movement, and connection. Whether through her travels, her yoga classes, her love of nature, or the simple moments with her family and pet, she lived each day with warmth, kindness, and purpose.
A significant moment came in her late twenties when she learned to drive for the first time. With her then-husband stationed remotely and two young children to care for, Alma took on the challenge head-on, mastering a stick shift so she could navigate daily life with independence and confidence. One of her proudest milestones was becoming a United States citizen in 1985, a meaningful achievement that reflected her deep commitment to her new home.
Family stories still echo with the humor and charm she brought to everyday life. Early in her marriage, her then-husband asked her to make some "biscuits." Being British, Alma lovingly returned from the kitchen with two dozen freshly baked chocolate chip cookies (what the British call biscuits), much to her then husband's surprise and delight. It became a cherished story that reflected both her cultural roots and the joyful blending of two worlds.
Alma's life was a testament to adaptability, family devotion, and quiet accomplishments that left a lasting impact on all who knew her. From learning new skills in unfamiliar places to making people smile with her stories and kindness, she created a legacy of love, laughter, and resilience.
Alma is survived by her sons: Ronnie & Andy; brothers Keith Battams and Brian Battams; daughters-in-law - Myra & Rene; grandchildren: Crystena, Brent, Samantha, Austin, Donovan, Caleb, and Madison; great grandchildren: Rori, Waylon, Willow, Koah, Emersyn, Korissa, and Benny; a sister-in-law - Gillian Battams; nephews - Brian Battams, Jr., Nikita Battams, and Kiev Battams.
Alma is preceded in death by father, William Battams, her mother, Constance Battams, and her brother, Roy Battams.
The family will hold a viewing and memorial vigil at 9:00 AM on Friday, July 4, 2025, at Matthew H. Lovett & Son's Funeral Home.
Honoring Alma’s final wishes, her remains will be cremated and returned to Ireland with her family to hold a scattering ceremony that will take place in the land she so dearly loved and called home at a later date. During this time, please keep her family in your thoughts and prayers.
In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made in Alma's name to the Dementia Society of America www.dementiasociety.org/donate.
Matthew H. Lovett & Son's Funeral Home, LLC is in charge of final arrangements.
Family and friends may sign the online register book, express online condolences, send flowers or other memorial gifts via our website.