Willie Mae Symons

Willie Mae Chappell Symons, 94, of Hertford, North Carolina, passed away peacefully on Thursday, March 5, 2026 surrounded by her family. Born on November 7, 1931, in Belvidere, North Carolina, she was the daughter of the late Nereus and Leora Ward Chappell.

Mrs. Symons made her home at 231 Creek Drive in Hertford, where she built a life centered on faith, family, and service. Upon graduation from College of the Albemarle, Mrs. Symons worked at the FBI building with J. Edgar Hoover in Washington, D.C. She retired as a dedicated school secretary from Hertford Grammar School, where she was known for her kindness, efficiency, and the gentle encouragement she offered to students and staff.

A faithful member of Hertford Baptist Church, she formerly served as Treasurer of the Phileatha Sunday School Class and was active in many areas of church life. She was also a former member of the Order of the Eastern Star and the North Carolina Association of School Secretaries. Her steady devotion to her church and community reflected the quiet strength and grace that defined her life.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her beloved husband, John “Jack” Symons, Jr.; her son-in-law, Thomas Beale; her sisters, Zenovah C. White and Jeanne C. White; and her brother, William “Bill” Chappell.

She leaves to cherish her memory a daughter, Barbara Symons of Greenville, NC; her sons, John Symons, III (Terri) of Seneca, SC; Dennis Symons (Ginger) of Greenville, NC; and Mark Symons (Sharron) of Hertford, NC. She was a proud and loving Mam-Maw to John “Jock” Symons, Miranda Symons, Jacquelynn Hughes (West), Meredith Barnes (Jonathan), Deanna Kassnove (Eli), Austin Symons (Brandi), and Landon Symons (Abby). Her legacy continues through her great-grandchildren, Hunter Rose and Eliza Kassnove, Jack and Palmer Hughes, and Lilli and Daysi Symons. She was joyfully anticipating the arrival of baby Finley Symons in April.

She is also survived by her sister, Linda C. Roberts, as well as special nieces and nephews Carole Baker, Rick White, Don White, Dianne W. Stallings, David White, Billy Chappell, Jennifer Roberts and Jeff Roberts.

A funeral service will be held at Hertford Baptist Church, 124 W. Market Street, Hertford, N.C. on Saturday, March 7, 2026 at 2:00 p.m. with Pastor Dario Ruvarac officiating. Friends may visit with the family for a reception immediately following the service in the church fellowship hall. A private burial will follow at Cedarwood Cemetery, Hertford, N.C.

Flowers are welcomed, as well as memorials may be made to Hertford Baptist Church, PO Box 34, Hertford, N.C., 27944.

The family would like to extend a special thank you to caregivers Rita Waterfield, Melody Overton, Gloria Isley, Sharon Stanton and the nurses of Albemarle Hospice.