Sara Lee Simons

Sara Lee Simons, widow of Walter Simons passed away at McLeod Hospice House on June 5, 2024. Sara was born in her family home on February 28, 1927 and raised in East Atlanta, GA. Her parents were Thomas Hurbert and Clara Allums Lee. She was a proud graduate of Atlanta Girls High School, class of 1945. Sara attended the University of Georgia, graduated in 1949 with a BS in Secondary Education including a certification in natural sciences. Her zoology professor, Dr. Eugene Odum inspired her lifelong passion for environmental conservation. She met Walter at the University of Georgia, and they married in 1949. They lived in Virginia, Alabama, and moved to Florence, SC in 1963 with the opening of Stone Container. Mrs. Simons began teaching biology at St. John’s High School in Darlington, SC in 1969 and retired as science department chair in 1989. She was awarded Education Conservationist of the Year and South Caroline Biology Teacher of the Year. She was a charter member of The South Carolina Association of Naturalists founded in 1976 by Rudy Mancke. She published SCAN: The First Ten Years in memory of Walter. Sara was the first woman appointed by Governor Carroll Campbell to the South Carolina Forestry Commission (SCFC) after the death of her husband. She was reappointed by Governor David Beasley. She helped launch Project Learning Tree, an award winning international environmental education program. PLT assisted educators in teaching students from early childhood through high school on becoming good stewards of the natural world. Additionally, she and other members of the SCFC were involved in creating the Pee Dee Land Trust. Sara traveled extensively in the United States and internationally including Ireland and the Galápagos Islands. She appreciated the beauty of her farm, garden and own backyard, as much as her exotic travels. Sara was a faithful member of St. Anthony’s Catholic Church for 60 years and also involved in many areas of church life, especially St. Anthony’s Ladies Guild. She was also an active member of the Florence League of Women Voters, and a member of Swamp Fox Quilters and was an avid reader and lifelong learner. Sara is survived by her nine children: Teresa Simons, Florence, SC; Suzanne Simons Fair, Jasper, GA; Nancy Simons Shapanka, Lambertville, NJ; Kurt (Cheryl) Simons, Austin, TX; Dan Simons, Florence, SC; Liz Simons George (Dan) Tallahassee, FL; John Simons, Florence, SC; Matt Simons, Florence, SC; and Thom Simons, Scappoose, OR. She is survived by 15 grandchildren: Ethan (Rebecca) Shapanka; Jesse (Jacquelyn), Wyatt and Zane Fair; Walter and Jackson (Madeline) Simons; William, Nicholas Simons, Anna Simons Oxendine (Corey) and Clara Simons Robinson (Matt); Neal, Leah, and Grace George; Tyler and Cody (Megan) Simons. She is also survived by her great-grandchildren: Ethel Shapanka, Julian Fair, and Caroline Oxendine. She was preceded in death by husband Walter, her parents, brother Don Lee and son in-law Shayne Fair. The Simons family is grateful for the care their mother received at The Manor and from McLeod Hospice. We are especially thankful to Dan Garrison, RN. She also received compassionate care through McLeod Hospice House nurses and caregivers as her health declined. We would also like to thank Marilyn Key for her devotion. A visitation will be held at Stoudenmire-Dowling Funeral Home on Thursday, June 20th from 5:00 -7:00pm. A private burial will be held at Florence National Cemetery. In lieu of flowers the family suggests donations to McLeod Hospice House; The McLeod Health Foundation/ Hospice Care PO Box 100551 Florence SC 29502-0551.