In Loving Memory: Nancy Lee Simmons

In Loving Memory: Nancy Lee Simmons

The Orlando community is reeling after a tragic and heartbreaking incident that claimed the life of Nancy Lee Simmons, 83, in her own home. Nancy, a long-time resident of the area, was shot and killed on Saturday evening in what authorities describe as a domestic altercation. The loss has left friends, family, and neighbors grappling with grief, confusion, and shock.

According to the Orange County Sheriff’s Office, Nancy’s husband, 80-year-old William Elwood Simmons, called 911 around 5:20 p.m., reporting that his wife “was down.” When deputies arrived at the home, Simmons was waiting in the garage and immediately confessed, saying, “I do know what happened, I did it.”

Deputies found Nancy in the kitchen, where she had sustained a fatal shotgun wound. A shotgun lay nearby with a spent shell casing, evidence of the deadly confrontation that had unfolded.

Investigators later learned that the incident occurred during a heated argument in the kitchen over vacation plans—a planned cruise that became the spark for a tragic escalation. According to police reports, Nancy had been yelling repeatedly at her husband, who then went to the bedroom, retrieved the shotgun from the closet, and returned to the kitchen, where he fired a single shot.

During questioning at the station, William Simmons reportedly shared that he had been struggling with his wife’s dementia, saying he was “tired of dealing with her” but still loved “the old Nancy.” He allegedly expressed that he would rather be incarcerated than continue navigating the challenges of her cognitive decline.

Nancy Lee Simmons’ life was one of decades filled with love, family, and memories. Friends and neighbors described her as a devoted wife, mother, and grandmother who, despite her recent struggles with dementia, was deeply cherished by those around her. She had spent her life caring for others and maintaining the warmth and connections that defined her home and family.

This tragic event underscores the immense pressures and heartbreak that families can face when a loved one is living with dementia. While the circumstances are deeply distressing, Nancy’s life and her enduring impact on those who loved her should not be overshadowed by the tragedy of her passing. She will be remembered for the kindness, laughter, and love she brought into the lives of her family and community.

Authorities have charged William Elwood Simmons with first-degree murder, and the investigation into the incident is ongoing. As the legal process unfolds, the focus for many remains on honoring Nancy’s memory and supporting her grieving family during this unimaginably difficult time.

Nancy Lee Simmons’ legacy will live on through the family she nurtured, the friends she cherished, and the memories that continue to celebrate the life of a woman who touched so many hearts.