Sandra Kay Simmons

Some people leave behind memories. Sandi left behind an entire collection of stories, laughter, sparkle, and love. Known first as Sandi and later, to so many, as “MeMe,” she had a gift for making people feel welcome, valued, and connected. She never met a stranger, was never shy about sharing a story, and had a way of bringing light and laughter wherever she went. Sandi passed away peacefully in the early morning hours of September 27, 2026.

Born on February 13, 1947, Sandi grew up in Effingham County, Georgia, and graduated from Effingham County High School, where she was a cheerleader. She later built a successful career in executive recruiting that spanned nearly three decades. An award-winning recruiter, manager, and mentor, Sandi had a remarkable ability to recognize potential and bring people together. She trained, encouraged, and inspired many throughout her career, leaving an impact that continued long after they worked together.

Connecting with people was not simply part of Sandi’s profession—it was part of her very nature. She genuinely loved people and was always curious about their lives. Whenever she met someone new, she asked questions until she inevitably discovered someone or something they had in common. She loved to talk, tease, tell stories, and laugh, and she made meaningful connections wherever she went.

Sandi loved life and always made sure to shine. She loved dancing, singing karaoke, Elvis Presley, Chinese food, birds—especially hummingbirds—and anything that sparkled. She loved her red lipstick, mink coats, White Diamonds perfume, freshly painted nails and toes, and, later in life, her beloved rhinestone butterfly clips, which she wore in her hair without a care in the world. Sandi didn’t just have sparkle. She was the sparkle.

Her faith was an important part of her life. She loved God, sang in the church choir, played handbells, and made sure her family grew up with church as a regular part of their lives.

More than anything, Sandi loved her family. Her two daughters, Stacie and Amy, were her world. When her grandchildren came along, they quickly became the center of her attention and brought her endless joy and laughter. She loved their funny moments so much that she once wanted to write a book about them.

It was through her grandchildren that Sandi became “MeMe,” and the name simply stuck. Before long, she wasn’t only MeMe to her own grandchildren. People of all ages knew and loved MeMe, sharing countless laughs, conversations, and stories with her. When her great-grandchildren arrived, her heart grew once again.

Sandi also had a special love for hummingbirds. After the passing of her husband, Joe, she lived with her daughter Stacie for five years and insisted on having a hummingbird feeder outside her bedroom window so she could watch her little visitors. Today, hummingbirds have become an especially meaningful symbol for her family.

Sandi and Joe shared a love that remained part of her heart throughout her life. Joe’s song to her was “Lady.” Those who knew and loved them find comfort in imagining them together again—perhaps fishing, perhaps dancing, with Joe finally holding his Lady in his arms once more.

Sandi was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Joseph Riley Simmons; her parents, Ernie and Lola Mae Yarbrough; and her sister, LaTrelle Pevey.

She is survived by her brother, Richard “Dicky” Yarbrough (Carol); her daughters, Amy LaTrelle Capwell and Stacie Jo Taylor Pickard (Randall Kelly Pickard); her stepdaughter, Adrienne Simmons; her grandchildren, Amber Buchanan, Dylan Anderson, Kaylee Pound, Rilee Taylor, and Nicolas Pickard; and her great-grandchildren, Averie Buchanan and Brynnlee Kay Renfro. She is also survived by extended family, lifelong friends, former colleagues, and countless others whose lives were brighter because they knew her.

Sandi spent her life loving people, making them laugh, and finding reasons to sparkle. Her family will make sure that sparkle never fades.

A visitation will be held on Saturday, October 10, 2026, at 11:00 a.m., followed by a celebration of Sandi’s life at 12:00 p.m. at Carlson & Riggs Funeral Home Chapel. Family and friends are invited to gather to remember, celebrate, and honor the beautiful life of Sandi “MeMe” Simmons. During the service, anyone who would like to share a favorite memory, funny story, or a few words about Sandi is warmly invited to do so. In keeping with Sandi’s love of color and sparkle, everyone is welcome to come dressed in bright colors and sparkles if they wish.

Service arrangements are being made through Carlson & Riggs Funeral Home.