On Friday, June 22, 2018, Norman Lowe Simmons affectionately known as "Pear Shape" or "Cigar" heard the voice of the Lord to come home for his work on Earth was finished. During his final moments he opened his eyes, looked toward heaven and was escorted home. He received his inheritance and left a legacy of love to his family and all who knew him.

Norman was born on January 12, 1927 to the late Doc and Lillian Simmons. He was educated in Guilford County. He began working at an early age in the tobacco and cotton fields. Later he was drafted in the United States Army at the age of 18 during World War II. During this time he worked on roads and bridges. He served this country from 1945-1947 and was released with an honorable discharge. After serving his country he returned to the United States and worked at Smith & Douglas Fertilizer Plant for a few years.

He was gainfully employed by Pomana Terra Cotta Pipe Company for 27 years until its closing in 1975. After the closing of Pomana Terra Cotta Pipe Company he worked at Wysong & Miles for 18 years. After retirement from Wysong & Miles, he began working at Gilliam's Florist where he worked for 6 years until their closing. He stayed busy by hauling things and recycling metal.

After returning from the service, Norman was united in marriage to Naomi Campbell. To this union 2 children were born: Kathy & Alvin Norman Simmons. After the passing of Naomi, later in years Norman was united in holy matrimony on October 11, 1968 to Shirley Morehead and to this union one son was born, Marion Norman Simmons (Dusty).

He is survived by his wife of 50 years, Shirley Morehead Simmons; children, Kathy Withers, Alvin Norman Simmons, and Marion Norman Simmons; stepchildren, Joan & Ralph Long of High Point, NC, Bobby & Carolyn Jacobs of Tennessee; and the late Hasco Jacobs (Earlene) of Winston-Salem, NC; sister, Mary Eunice Lowe; one special grandchild, Maurion Coleman Simmons; 13 grandchildren, 22 great grandchildren, 15 great, great, great grandchildren, and a host of other family, friends, and relatives.

A homegoing celebration will be held on Thursday, June 28, 2018 at Persimmon Grove AME Church, 403 Dolley Madison Road, Greensboro.  Visitation with the family begins at 11:00 am followed by the service at 11:30 am.  Interment will follow at Forest Lawn Cemetery.