Lilla Mae Simons Felton

Lilla Mae Simons Felton, 90, entered her heavenly home on August 9, 2021. She was born into the union of Lilla Mae Mitcham and James Orelle Mayfield of Monroe, Georgia. The family moved to North Carolina when she was a small child, later moving to Portsmouth, Virginia in 1940. She was predeceased by her parents, 5 of 6 sisters, one brother, her first husband, W. F. “Woody” Simons, her second husband, Jesse Arnold Felton, and her beloved and only child, Mark Lynn Simons. Left to cherish her memory are her daughter-in-law, Laralyn Kent Simons, and three grandchildren, Christopher Lynn Simons of Richmond, Virginia, Joe Mark Simons and Lilla Arlene Simons of Suffolk, Virginia; a sister, Jean Mayfield Alston Stallings of Red Oak, North Carolina; and a half brother William Jesse Mayfield of Buckhead, Georgia. Mae loved her Lord and served Him in the church wherever she lived and in her daily life. Though some said she was a very independent individual, she was very tender hearted and cared deeply for all of God’s children. She was a member of Jackson Memorial Baptist Church, Chesapeake, Virginia. Previous church membership included Cradock Baptist Church, Western Branch Baptist Church, and First Baptist Church of Cocoa, Florida. She served each church in various committees, teaching Sunday School, holding a treasurer position, playing on the softball team, and singing in the choir. Mae loved great Christian music. She was a member of Victory Chapter #16 Order of the Eastern Star where she served as Worthy Matron three times and Secretary for thirteen years. She had numerous Grand Chapter appointments for committees and as a Grand Representative to the State of Oklahoma. Mae served as Asst. Lecturer for dist. 40 OES for 4 years. She received her 25-year pin in 1979, her 50-year pin in 2004, and her 60-year pin in 2013. Before moving to Florida, she was a member of the Pilot Club of Portsmouth. Mae worked for the City of Portsmouth for a number of years and continued her municipal and state work in Florida, where she retired. Arrangements are being handled by Loving Funeral Home, Churchland Chapel with a private burial at Olive Branch Cemetery. Viewing will be August 15, 2021, from 2 to 3 PM. A memorial service will be held at 10 AM on August 16, 2021, at Loving Funeral Home with Rev. Dr. Tommy Larson of JMBC officiating. In lieu of flowers, please honor Mae’s memory by donating to Jackson Memorial Baptist Church, 4316 Bruce Road, Chesapeake, VA 23321 in her name.