Essie M Simmons

Essie M. Simmons, 72, was born on August 7, 1947 to William Jackson Sr. and Lula Mae (Cook) Jackson-Johnson. She departed her earthly life on January 22, 2020 at home in Ripley, MS.

In 1976, she married Clarence E. "Jackie" Simmons. One child was born to this union, April Simmons. She accepted Christ at an early age and joined St. John Missionary Baptist Church. Later, she became a member of Antioch Baptist Church where she served on the usher board. She was well known as a fantastic cook, a God-fearing lady with a strong desire to help anyone in need, and a lady who loved her family.

She leaves to cherish her memories: mother, Lula Mae Johnson of Ripley, MS; daughter, April Michelle Simmons of Honolulu, HI; sisters, Helen Cox of Marysville, OH and Marie Cook of Ripley, MS; three brothers: John D. Jackson of Indianapolis, IN, Charlie James Jackson and James Charles "Clete" Jackson of Ripley, MS; half-sister, Lillie Ruth Perry of Ripley, MS; half-brother, Billy Joe Johnson of Milwaukee, WI and General Lee Johnson Jr. of Ripley, MS; aunts, Ruby Payton of New Albany, MS and Sallie Belle Smith of Chicago, IL; special nieces and nephews: Quentin Rucker, Malik Jackson, Aliyah Jackson, Drenzo Prather, Brittni Cox, Alycia Cox, Jasmine Prather and Nathaniel Erby; and a host of special relatives and friends.

She was preceded in death by: father, William Arthur Jackson; brother, William Arthur "Brownie" Jackson, Jr.; and step-father, General Lee Johnson, Sr.

Visitation will be held Monday, January 27, 2020 from 12:00 noon-8:00 pm at Foster and Son Funeral Home in Ripley, MS; with the family present from 6:00 pm-8:00 pm. Service will be held Tuesday, January 28, 2020 at 1:00 pm at Foster and Son Funeral Home Chapel in Ripley, MS. The body will lie in state one hour prior to service. Interment will follow at St. John Cemetery in Ripley, MS. To view and sign the guest registry, please visit www.fosterandsonfuneralhome.com.

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