Nelda Nan "Nell" Simmons Harnage, 77, of Alma, Georgia passed away June 1, 2022 at the Bacon County Hospital. Nell was born on February 19, 1945 in Jacksonville, Florida, the daughter of the late Wm. J. Simmons and Daisy Louise Moore Simmons. Nell was the wife of her best friend Burnis E. "Buck" Harnage for 59 years. She was a loving mother to her sons, Brandyn E. Harnage, Benjie E., and Brian E. Harnage, and a devoted grandmother to her beloved grandchildren, Brandyn E. Harnage Jr., Amanda Nicole Harnage Walsh, Hayden L. Harnage, and the late Brady E. Harnage. Nell is survived by daughter-in-law Marie Harnage, her sisters Linda Jo Krabbe (Fred) and Sherry Kubac (Alan), sisters-in-law Francis Simmons and Eileen Simmons, numerous nieces and nephews, and special friends Nancy Batten, and Buddy and Renee Allmond. In addition to her parents and grandson, she was predeceased by brothers Elton Gary Simmons, and Carroll Ray Simmons.

Nell was raised on a dairy farm and it was there as a child she learned many of the core values she retained for the rest of her life. She loved all animals — especially horses, and was an enthusiastic horsewoman who rode until her later years. Nell also developed her great love of music early on, and played the piano with virtuosity until near her end. Friends, family, and acquaintances loved to hear Nell play everything from Classical music to Honky Tonk and Gospel. She graduated from Nathan Bedford Forrest High School, and the University of South Florida. Through the years, Nell taught school and piano — both with great love. She was a member of Alma United Methodist Church where she also played piano and sang in the choir, and was thought of by many to be the "best alto and pianist the church has ever had."

Nell was universally loved wherever she lived and well known for her graciousness, friendliness, and loyalty. "Everyone who ever met her, loved her," a friend said. "She was the most genuine person I've known." Nell had a great sense of responsibility to her community, and contributed to its welfare in many ways over the years.

A memorial service for Nell will be held on Thursday, June 16 at noon at Alma United Methodist Church. The family asks everyone to dress "summer casual" for the service, and — instead of flowers — hopes donations will be made to either the Bacon County Hospital Foundation, or Alma United Methodist Church in her memory.