Vivian Blaine Simmons

Vivian Blaine Simmons, 77 of Harrisburg, NC entered eternal rest on September 30, 2026, at her residence.

Affectionately known to family and friends as “Viv,” she was born on June 13, 1949, in Danville, Virginia, to Thomas Pernell and Ida Dean Blaine. Her parents and brothers, Thomas Jr. and William Blaine, preceded her in death.

She relocated to Charlotte from Danville, Virginia to attend Johnson C. Smith University. She started her career with the City of Charlotte in 1973. After 46 years of service and advancing to Senior Administrative Officer, she retired in 2020. Viv never met a stranger; before long, her warm smile and deep dimples made everyone feel welcome. Viv was an avid reader, enjoyed hiking and exercising. Doing these things with a little Luther Vandross, Lala Hathaway, Take Six, and Kenny G as background music made them more enjoyable. When it came to traveling, she was the first to assist with planning the trip and determining the destination.

She is survived by her husband of 56 years, James Barton Simmons; her sons, Barton Lamont Simmons and Barton Steven Simmons of Charlotte and Scott Jabar Simmons of Harrisburg; her sisters, Kaye Blaine Williams (John) of Danville, Virginia, and Cynthia Denise Blaine of New York, New York; her brother, Samaj Blaine of Atlanta, Georgia; her brother-in-law, Kenneth Simmons (Beverly) of Harrisburg, NC; and her sister-in-law, Teresa Simmons-Godette (Reginald) of Huntersville, NC. She was preceded in death by her sister-in-law, Doris Simmons-McMurray (W.T.) of Charlotte NC, and brother-in-law, Maurice Simmons (Teresa), Rock Hill, SC. She also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews and cousins; her sisters by another mother, Phyliss Ford, and Jonella Walker; her special friends, Chantal Dawkins, and Corinth Greene; and the wonderful, compassionate caregivers of Impressive Home Care, LLC.

The memorial service in celebration of Viv's life will be on Wednesday, October 7th, 12:00 pm, at Hartsell Funeral Home, 12115 University City Blvd., Harrisburg NC, officiated by her nephew, Patrick McMurray.

Hartsell Funeral Home of Harrisburg is serving the Simmons family.