A new headstone in memory of the sister of Okehampton’s greatest benefactor has finally been placed in position at All Saints Church.
Sophia Simmons Memorial
Sophia Simmons, the sister of Sydney Simmons who left so many legacies to Okehampton, died on June 25, 1869 at the age of 39. Her gravestone, in the family plot at All Saints, had been deteriorating due to water damage and the town council has been working to replace the stone for many years. The project has been complicated, requiring much negotiation between Okehampton Town Council and the Diocese of Exeter. Once agreement was eventually reached, the replacement headstone was engraved by F J Stevens of Crediton with the project finally costing just over £3000.
Town councillor Christine Marsh, who is also the treasurer of Okehampton Community Archive, said: ‘It’s been going on for about ten years now really, from start to finish. As a town council we still maintain the Simmons’ graves and I think it’s important because there’s no-one else to do it, no immediate family, and Sidney Simmons gave so much to Okehampton, I think this was the least we could do - I think it’s brilliant that the project has finally been completed.’
Christine said while Sidney Simmons left Okehampton to make his fortune, his sister Sophia stayed in her home town and worked as a shop assistant. Sidney outlived her by many years, finally dying on 29 April, 1924, aged 83. ‘He left 38 bequests in his will, to all sorts of different people and organisations, like schools for the poor, homes for single mums, all people of a poor ilk. He was very generous and very much ahead of his time. He also gave the town its iconic castle, land for the town’s beautiful park, Okehampton Golf Club, the bowling club and almshouses.
‘Okehampton wouldn’t be as you see it today without Sidney Simmons,’ said Christine.