Mrs. Essie Bell Simmons

May 8, 1927 - February 21, 2017

Mother Essie Bell Simmons was born to Albert and Mattie Lee Brown in Schlater, MS on May 8, 1927. She was the youngest of 10 children, with nine siblings whom preceded her in death: three brothers: Albert, Frank, and Ira. Also, six sisters: Phena, Hattie, Juanita, Susie, Annie and Tee Wesley. Mother Simmons accepted Christ at an early age. In December 1956, Mother Simmons met and married Albert Simmons, whom preceded her in death. God blessed this union with a total of 18 children. Two daughters, Evelyn Bell and Johnnie Mae Williams and one grandchild, Larry Simmons, preceded her in death. She embraced many other children as though they were her own. Mother Simmons was primarily a homemaker, but in her later years moved to Michigan and became a part of the Allegan Public School system as a Teacher and a Lunch Aide, which she thoroughly enjoyed. In the early 70's, Mother Simmons joined Messiah Baptist Church, under the leadership of Pastor Powell. In 1981, she joined Grace Temple Community Church, under the leadership of Reverend Monroe White, then under Pastor Harriet Portrum, where she served the Lord for many years on the Mother's Board and Usher Board, until her health began to fail. Mother Simmons truly enjoyed fishing, shopping and gardening. She loved to garden and was always ensuring that plenty of seeds were planted for the masses. And, let's not forget the love for her "Western's". Mother Simmons also displayed her love for family and was well-known for her delicious Sunday dinners, her scrumptious peach cobbler and flavorful dressing dish, which filled the stomachs and souls of many. On Tuesday, February 21, 2017 Mother heard her voice being called from the heavens and went home to be with the Lord at 5:00 a.m., surrounded by her family. She leaves to celebrate her memories: 8 sons, Percy (Claudia) Simmons and Albert (Ethel) Simmons all of Illinois; John (Charlene) Simmons of Michigan; Sammie (Patricia) Simmons, Charles (Johanna) Simmons all of Illinois; Tommie (Kathy) Brown of Michigan; Willie (Arlene) Simmons and Roy Simmons all of Michigan; 8 daughters, Viola Young of Illinois; Joann Boyd of Michigan; Barbara (Charles) Kelley, Dortha (Kenneth) Luckett all of Michigan; Essie (Andre) Reddix of Tennessee; Johnnie (Danny) Lee, Martha El, and Linda (Tommy) El all of Michigan; 6 god-children that she raised as her own: Willie (Carol) Gilmore, Viola Pugh, Jimmy Lee Simmons, Peter Simmons, Jessie Gilmore and Elizabeth Gilmore; 56-plus grandchildren, 106 great grandchildren and a host of great great-grandchildren. Also a host of other nieces, nephews, family and friends. Mother Simmons' legacy has been truly blessed by God!