Ola Fay Pugh Simeroth died of natural causes Saturday at her home in Nassawadox, Virginia. She was 87.
She was born in Franklinville, North Carolina on March 21, 1924 to William and Ethel Pugh and graduated from Franklinville High School in 1943.
"Fay," as she was known, met her future husband, Irving Simeroth, while he was on leave from the Army during World War II. They married in 1945 and moved to California, eventually settling in Van Nuys, a suburb of Los Angeles, where she would live for 50 years. Irving died at the age of 77 in 1991, after 46 years of marriage.
She was also predeceased by her daughter, Brenda May, and granddaughter Hannah Fay Fakhoury. She is survived by daughter Barbara Simeroth Fakhoury and her husband Gary Fakhoury of Nassawadox, Virginia, son Larry Simeroth of Agoura Hills, California, grandsons Christian, Kyle and Reagen Fakhoury, twin sister May Purvis of Asheboro, North Carolina, and many nieces and nephews.
Fay remained a woman of deep faith and conviction all of her life. She was active in her church for over 40 years, Hillcrest Christian (later Shepherd of the Hills), where she was a Sunday school teacher and choir member. Her love of music deeply influenced her daughter Barbara, who now teaches music at Broadwater Academy in Exmore, Virginia.
Fay moved to Virginia in 2003 to stay with her daughter for her remaining years. She enjoyed attending the musical performances of her daughter`s students and her grandsons, and was loved and admired by those who knew her best, including caregiver Tracy Etz of Exmore, Virginia.
A graveside service will be held at Pleasant Cross Christian Church Cemetery in Asheboro, on Saturday, January 7, 2012 at 10 am.
Local arrangements by Pugh Funeral Home, Asheboro.