Betty Jean “BJ” Carpenter Simms Memorial Scholarship

Betty Jean “BJ” Carpenter Simms graduated from Orange County High School in 1960. She attended nursing school at St. Luke’s Hospital in Richmond, Virginia, and after graduating, worked there as a nurse for several years. She later moved to Jacksonville, Florida, where she joined the nursing staff at St. Luke’s Hospital, which later became part of the Mayo Clinic. She retired as Clinical Coordinator and continued serving part-time in the Emergency Room.

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She was known as a strong advocate for her patients and was deeply respected by her colleagues and all who knew her. While attending the Orange County High School Class of 1960’s 50th reunion, she reconnected with classmate Harrison Simms, and the two were later married.

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“BJ” was a warm and generous person whose willingness to give both her time and financial support to causes she believed in touched many lives. A faithful member of Orange Baptist Church, she lived a life grounded in her faith in Jesus Christ as her Savior.