Ms. LaWanda Starr Simmons, age 71, and a resident of Martin, TN, passed away on Wednesday, January 28, 2026, at Van Ayer Nursing Home in Martin, TN.

Starr was born on January 4, 1955, in Bakersfield, CA to the late Murphy and Bessie Jean Bennett.
She was a member at Ralston Baptist Church in Martin, TN, a former employee at E.W James & Sons in Martin, TN. Starr was passionate about gardening, hummingbirds and cooking.

She is survived by her children, Clay Simmons of Martin, TN, Kirk Simmons of Milan, TN, Stacie Simmons of Martin, TN, and Alexis Blackard of Milan, TN; seven grandchildren, Drew Simmons of Martin, TN, Will Simmons of Martin, TN, Haley Simmons of Martin, TN, Delaney Simmons of Milan, TN, Aiden Goodrum of Milan, TN, Josie Swafford of Milan, TN and Samuel Swafford of Milan, TN; one great-grandchild, Carson Simmons; five siblings, Murphy Dunlap of Mt. Juliet, TN, Edward Brooks of Dresden, TN, Steven Bennett of Jacksonville, FL, Neil Bennett of Callahan, FL and Winniford Bennett of Dresden, TN.

In addition to her parents, Starr is preceded in death by one sibling, William Bennett.

Memorial services will be held at 1:00 pm on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at Ralston Baptist Church in Martin, TN.
Visitation will be held on Saturday, February 7, 2026, at Ralston Baptist Church beginning at 11:00 am until the hour of service.

Murphy Funeral Home is in charge of arrangements. 731-587-3121