Lillian (Simmons) Dever

Lillian Jean (Simmons) Dever, age 88, of Monterey, passed away Saturday, January 13, 2024 at Shenandoah Valley Health and Rehab Center in Buena Vista.

She was born on September 8, 1935, in Doe Hill, a daughter of the late Thomas and Leta Belle (Mitchell) Simmons.

Lillian was a member and elder of the Monterey Presbyterian Church. She operated a bakery on Main Street in Monterey for several years and then worked as a seamstress at the Aileen Manufacturing plant. She left there to pursue a career in cosmetology and following graduation from cosmetology school, opened a beauty shop in her home which she operated for over 30 years.

In her spare time, she enjoyed camping, bowling, playing chicken foot, traveling, and cooking for family and friends. Lillian will be remembered for donut fries, taffy pulling, CYF events, and other family-oriented activities.

In addition to her parents, she was predeceased by her husband of 70 years, Garland S. Dever, on November 7, 2023. The last member of her immediate family, she was also predeceased by her brothers Thomas Jefferson Simmons and Wallace Calvin Simmons.

She is survived by two daughters, Gloria Yvonne Oelke and husband, Bruce of Garner, N.C and Betty Gail Hiner and husband, Jeff of Monterey; two sons, Garland “Gene” Dever and wife, Judy of Monterey and Charles Thomas “Tom” Dever and wife, Becky of Monterey; grandchildren, Audrey Denton, Tammy Oelke, Deidre Jones, Jaime Downing, Shauna Dever, Christos Dever, Monika Eckard, and Vicky Dever; eight great-grandchildren; two great-great-grandchildren; as well as a number of nieces, nephews and cousins.

The family expresses gratitude to Intrepid USA Hospice for their care and kindness.

A memorial service will be held 2 p.m., Saturday, April 27, 2024 at Monterey Presbyterian Church.

In lieu of flowers, memorial donations can be made to The Hungry Student Food Fund, c/o Lisa Jamison, P. O. Box 250, Monterey, VA 24465, checks payable to Highland County Public Schools.