JOE L. SIMMONS
Funeral services for the late Mr. Joe L. Simmons were held on Oct. 15 at 12 p.m. from Mt. Olive Baptist Church, Rev. Wilbert Jenkins, officiating minister. Full Military Honor Burial followed in the churchyard cemetery with Hudson Funeral Services directing.
Joe L. Simmons was gifted to the late George Simmons Sr. and the late Wattle Lee Murphy Simmons as their eldest child on March 12, 1946 in Greenville. Joe L. graduated from Greenville Training School in 1964. He believed in hard work and viewed every obstacle as an opportunity.
He learned at an early age to reverence God and gave his life to Christ. He was an honorable member of Mt. Olive Baptist Church which he loved dearly. Joe L. served dutifully until the Lord called him home on Oct.7.
He met the love of his life in Greenville and made it known that he was determined “Not to let her get away”, Joe L. He fell in love and married Hattie Allen Simmons in 1964. They shared 51 beautiful years of marriage. They took pride in taking great care of each other. Hattie and Joe L. appreciated and cherished their fun time together.
They loved entertaining, sharing, traveling and watching games and westerns together. Joe L. reminded Hattie daily of his love for her.
In 1964, Joe L. enlisted in the U.S. Army. He dutifully and valiantly served his country two times in the Vietnam War and several other countries. Joe L. enjoyed his occupation as (Financial Advisor).
After 21 years of service, he retired as Sgt. 1st Class, E-7 with many commendations and accreditations. He then went to work for the Government in Civil Service for 4 years.
As nieces and nephews in the community and Uncle Joe being an elder, he taught us to love and take pride in who we are. He always stressed for us to be financially aware and be prepared for anything the future holds. He taught us to possess self awareness and know that through Christ we could accomplish anything.
Joe L. leaves to cherish his memories, a devoted, loving and cherished wife, Hattie M. Simmons; three brothers: George Lee, (Doris) Simmons and Earnest (late wife Ora) Simmons both of Greenville; Roosevelt Simmons of St. Louis; and his baby sister, Yvonne Simmons (Donnie) Turner of Birmingham; three sister-in-law’s: Wonda Fay (John Henry Mack) and Evelyn Shepherd (Tommie) both of Greenville; Betty Rudolph (Eddie Kimbrouch) of Beatrice; three aunts: Susie Palmer of Birmingham; Autherine
(Knox) Flemings, Inez Johnson both of Chicago; and one uncle: Essix (Leola) Murphy of Robbins, IL; Judy Lewis, family friend and loving caregiver to Hattie, a host of nieces, nephews, great nieces and nephews, cousins family, friends and his trusted furry friend (BO).