Lola Josephine Simmons Carter, our beautiful mother, passed away on Friday, July 26, 2013 at Hospice Home at High Point. She was born on November 19, 1927 in Randolph County to John Pete Simmons (a farmer) and Ada Cain Simmons (a homemaker).

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Richard (Dick) Furman Carter. She was also preceded in death by her sister, Shirley Simmons Allred; brothers, Boyd Simmons, Melvin Lee Simmons, Robert Simmons, Jerry Simmons; Roland Simmons and Vernice Simmons.

Surviving are son, Richard (Rick) Thomas Carter of the home, and daughter, Kathy Carter Williford and her husband, Vann; grandson Jay Williford and his wife Susanne; and two great grandchildren, Lucas Williford and Addison Williford. Also surviving are one sister, Mathie Simmons Hall, of Asheboro and one brother, John D. Simmons (and wife Sarah), of Gastonia.

Jo moved to High Point in 1946 and entered Bryce Business College. She was also a model for the local women's retail clothing stores (Gill's and Tobias) and was in a few beauty pageants.

On a double date one night in 1948 she met Richard "Dick" Furman Carter. He thought her to be so beautiful. After a brief courtship, they married in York, South Carolina on October 17, 1948. They remained married for 48 years until his death.

Jo worked for North State Telephone Company for a couple of years, and then found her employment home in 1954 with the City of High Point as the "Voice of the City of High Point". She was the switchboard operator for the City of High Point for 36 years!

Jo was a member of Oak Hill Friends Meeting, where she was Assistant Sunday School Teacher to Iris Riley from the mid-50s to the mid 60s. Until her health began to fail, Jo served on the Anniversary Committee and enjoyed participating in Unity Club trips. Jo was also a member of the American Business Women's Association and the VFW Ladies Auxiliary Post 319.

Jo was an excellent caregiver and cook. She took care of our dad through all of his health challenges, and in December, 1995 when dad was diagnosed with lung cancer, she took excellent and loving care of him for 13 months in their home. There were many times that he would proclaim about his wonderful wife – "I picked a good one, didn't I?" All who knew her would agree!

Funeral services will be held at 11:00 a.m. on Tuesday, July 30, 2013 in Oak Hill Friends Meeting House with Pastor John Sides officiating. Burial will follow at Floral Garden Park Cemetery. The family will receive friends from 6:00 p.m. – 8.00 p.m. on Monday, July 29, 2013 at Cumby Family Funeral Service, 1015 Eastchester Drive, High Point, NC.

If you desire, memorials may be sent to Oak Hill Friends Meeting, 2001 Westchester Drive, High Point, NC 27262; or Hospice of the Piedmont, 1801 Westchester Drive, High Point, NC 27262.