Deacon Eddie Simmons, Sr.

Eddie Simmons, Sr., was born on Monday, July 17, 1933, to Ms. Doresa Simmons in LeFlore, Mississippi. He was no stranger to work and was always a great provider for his family. He was a waiter at Dancon’s Drive-In in Clarksdale, Mississippi, from 1948 to 1951. 

On November 20, 1951, Ed enlisted in the Unites States Marine Corps and served his country proudly until November 2, 1953. During his active-duty service, he earned both the Navy Occupation Service Medal and the National Defense Service Medal. After being honorably discharged from active duty, Eddie continued his military service in the United States Marine Corps Forces Reserve from November 3, 1953, through November 19, 1959. On July 2, 1953, he was united in holy matrimony to his hometown sweetheart, Ms. Jeannie Louise Blair. To their union four children were born. Ed and Jeannie enjoyed 68 years of marital bliss and were often the longest married couple at various marriage events. They willingly shared advice and successes to their marriage longevity, which always included praying as a family and keeping God first.

Eddie moved his family from Mississippi to Alton, Illinois, in 1954. Life in Illinois was where his development as a Christian man began. He received the gift of the Holy Ghost as a young man in 1955, and was later baptized in the name of Jesus Christ. In 1966, he and his family became members of Lively Stone Church of God, under the leadership of the late Bishop Philip Lee Scott. As a member, he was ordained and served as a Deacon, Sunday School Teacher, and President of the Pastor’s Aide. In his capacity as the president, he was a talented guitarist for the Pastor’s Aide Choir. He was a faithful member of Lively Stone Church of God for over 40 years. He continued learning and educating himself to become more deeply rooted in the Word of God and was nicknamed “The Preaching Deacon.” He took the Survey of the Bible class, taught by the late Evangelist Flossie Simpson and received a Certificate of Completion. Deacon Eddie and Jeannie Simmons later became members of Faith Miracle Temple, under the leadership of Bishop Larry Baylor and Pastor Dr. Marlon Baylor. Deacon Simmons was a member of Faith Miracle Temple until he transitioned to Glory.

Deacon Simmons was known to have the most well-manicured lawn in his neighborhood, an award he was proud to be recognized for, as well as the most beautifully detailed vehicles. His talents in the meticulous detailing of vehicles were very popular when he worked for his cousin who had a professional automobile cleaning company. Eddie then became employed at the Chevrolet and Shell Plant, where he was a supervisor for many years. He later transferred to the General Motors Auto Plant and worked there from 1968 until his retirement in 2005.

Deacon Simmons was an excellent provider for his family and always wanted the best for them. He took his children to church and led his family in prayer. He was a true praise and worshipper, and he played the guitar while his son played the drums, and his daughters and wife sang praises to the Lord. He shared his love of playing the guitar with the smaller churches and was often requested to come and play for church anniversaries, revivals, and tarrying services for the late Pastors Reba Hughes, Ernestine Joshua, and Bertha Gregory. Ed and his family were trendsetters, being among the first families to host and invite others for Christmas, and New Year’s breakfast with the late Bishop P. L. Scott and the Lively Stone Church family and friends. He and his family were very close-knit and family-oriented and did everything together. Their annual vacation trips and attendance at various church conventions and conferences, always included a time of praise and worship in song. The Lord Almighty, in His providence, closed the book of Deacon Eddie Simmons, Sr., on the afternoon of Sunday, July 4, 2021. God sent an angel to carry one of His children from labor to reward.

In addition to his parents, Deacon Simmons was preceded in death by his sister, Catherine Stevenson, and his son-in-love, Jorden P. Taylor, Sr.

Deacon Simmons leaves to cherish his fond memories, his devoted and loving wife of 68 years, Jeannie L. Simmons; one son, Chief of Police Eddie Simmons, Jr. (Teena); three daughters, Dr. Jeannette Taylor, Kathy Williams (Anthony), and Sandra Wesley (Donald); one goddaughter, Treneay Cherice; one half-sister, Christine Williams; one sister-in-law, Middie Jackson; one brother-in-law, Charles Frison; eight grandchildren; six great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, church family, and fellow Marines.

Gone But Never Forgotten

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