Helen Beatrice Bickford Simmons Ladd

Spencer, TN resident and Van Buren County, TN native Helen Beatrice Bickford Simmons Ladd, age 73, was born January 23, 1942 and died August 25, 2015 at her residence. A retired State employee at Fall Creek Falls Restaurant and a member of New Hope Full Gospel Church, she was the daughter of the late J.L. and Verena Mae Walling Bickford. She was married to first husband, Jewel Alfred Simmons who preceded her in death in 1978, and to second husband, Alan Eugene Ladd who preceded her in death in 1997. In addition to her husbands and parents, she was preceded in death by brother, Thomas Lee Bickford; and two sisters, Fay Goff and Brenda Britt. She is survived by two children and their spouses, Jewellene and Ray England of Spencer, TN and Ronnie and Karen Simmons of McMinnville; two brothers, James Bickford of Sterling Heights, MI and John Bickford of McMinnville; five grandchildren, Anita Melton, John England, Steve England, Nycole Simmons and Nicholas Simmons; thirteen great-grandchildren, four great-great-grandchildren and four great-great-great-grandchildren; and special caregivers, Joan England, Jewell Lee and Angel Randolph. Mrs. Ladd was baptized at Taylor's Providence Free Will Baptist Church of Sparta, TN. Funeral service will be held at 2:00 p.m. Thursday, August 27, 2015 in High's Chapel with Jamison Crouch and Sam Davis officiating. Burial will follow in Simmons Cemetery, White County, TN. Visitation will be from 3:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Wednesday and from 10:00 a.m. until the time of service Thursday at High's.