Mrs. Bennie Lee Simmons Farist age 87 of Big Creek Rd. Ellijay died Thursday August 4, 2011.

Mrs. Farist was born on February 21, 1924 in Gilmer Co. She is the daughter of the late Jeff Simmons and Allie Clonts Simmons. She was a homemaker, a member of the Ebenezer Baptist Church and the Women’s Auxiliary at the NGMC. She is preceded in death by her husband Tandy Farist and a son Michael Farist.

Survivors include: Son & daughter-in-law: Jerry & Jerline Farist, Ellijay; Grandchildren & spouses: Cindy & John Heaton, Ellijay, Joe & Velecia Farist, Ellijay, Stephanie & Chris Schuler, Gainesville, GA; 7 Great grandchildren: Jessalyn Heaton, Cole Farist, Jared Heaton, Ben Schuler, Carson, Caden & Carder Farist; Several nieces & nephews also survive.

Funeral services will be held Saturday August 6, 2011 at 2pm from the Ebenezer Baptist Church with Rev. Russell Burt, Rev. John Reece & Rev. Scott Chastain officiating.

Interment will be held in the Ebenezer Baptist Church Cemetery.

Visitation will be held Friday August 5th from 2pm until 9pm at the Bernhardt Funeral Home.

Bernhardt Funeral Home of in charge of arrangements.