The Shadow
Gertrude Hodge Rollins (Simmons)
Gertrude Hodge Rollins (Simmons) was born Sept. 4th, 1926, in Marion, N.C., to the Rev. Dewey and Julia Hodge. She stepped into the presence of her Lord on May 28th, 2026, from the Brian Center in Low Moor, Va.
She was preceded in death by her first husband of 53 years, the Rev. Warren Rollins, as well as her second husband of five years, A.J. Simmons. She was also preceded in death by an infant daughter, Judith Evelyn, and by a son, Tony Rollins, and his wife, Diana.
She is survived by three sons, William Keith Rollins (Margaret) of Edenton, N.C., Pastor Mike Rollins (Tracy) of Millboro, Va., and Jonathan Rollins (Jennifer) of Burke, Va.; two stepsons, Lee Simmons (Frannie) of Clifton Forge, Va., and Roger Simmons (Linda) of Troutville, Va.; and three brothers, Lester Hodge, Mike Hodge and Lonnie Hodge. She is also survived by seven grandchildren (Monica Rollins, Austin Rollins, Michelle Floyd, Kimberly Vervain, Courtney Dobson, Daniel Rollins and Carter Rollins) and seven great-grandchildren.
Gertrude’s only daughter died at the age of 4 months. Four years ago, a lady in the community by the name of Melinda Bryan entered Gertrude’s life to help her in her home, initially one day per week. Their relationship grew over time to the point that Gertrude came to regard Melinda as the daughter she didn’t have. The Rollins sons are incredibly grateful for the care that Melinda gave their mother. They are likewise grateful for the tremendous love and care that Stella Clark showed their mom over the past year plus. Gertrude spent the last 10 months of her life at the Brian Center in Low Moor. The family was impressed by and deeply thankful for the compassionate care the Brian Center staff provided to her.
Gertrude’s father and one of her grandfathers were pastors. She loved to tell stories of how she often rode the mule with her dad as he traveled to different places to preach. Early in life, she said yes to the Lord Jesus Christ’s invitation, and her relationship with Him framed how she chose to live. She loved Jesus deeply.
When Gertrude married Warren, he wasn’t a pastor, but within four years, they answered the call to full-time Christian service. They were truly a team, pastoring at Healing Springs Baptist Church in Bath County, Va., two separate times for a total of 20 years, as well as at Warwick Baptist Church in Hobbsville, N.C., and Lee Hall Baptist Church in Newport News, Va. They also served churches on a short-term basis following retirement.
In 2008, Gertrude moved to Clifton Forge and became a very active part of Living Stones Ministries, where her son Mike is the pastor. Her celebration of life will be held there on Saturday, June 6th, at 1 p.m. Visitation will begin at 11:30 a.m., and a meal will follow the service. The church address is 100 Griffith Road, Clifton Forge, Va. Gertrude had a passion for missions. In lieu of flowers, the family asks that donations be made to the missions budget of Living Stones Ministries, mailing address 601 Granville Ave., Clifton Forge, VA 24422.
Those unable to attend the service in person may view it at Lsmfamily.com by going to the Facebook or YouTube tab. It can also be watched online at a later date.
Nicely Funeral Home, Clifton Forge is handling arrangements.
To send condolences to the family online, please visit www.nicelyfuneralhome.com
