The daughter of the late Ernest and Georgia Bell McDade Mennefield, Mrs. Simmons was born in Ghant, AL, and was a devout member of the Church of the Living God Lord Jesus Apostolic for over 50 years, where she served as "Mother of the Church" and with the Mother's Board. She was employed with West Point Pepperill Mill for 33 years and was retired from Walmart after 11 years as a Greeter.

She was preceded in death by her beloved husband, Johnnie C. Simmons, Sr., a son, Johnnie C. Simmons, Jr., a grandson, Torrence A.D. Simmons, and her brothers.

Surviving are: two daughters, Constance Simmons-Drayton and Sheila F. Simmons; two sons, Bobby L. Simmons (Odella) and Michael F. Simmons; three grandchildren, Nadia Brown (Anthony), Darrell Drayton and David Drayton; three great grandchildren; a sister, Georgia B. Smith; a host of nieces and nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.