Evangelist Gloria Jean Simmons was called to eternal heavenly rest on Monday, September 17, 2012.
She was born July 13, 1948 to Hazel Stovall Reed and the late George T. Reed in Belvidere, Tennessee. She was the third of six children. She accepted Jesus Christ at an early age and graduated among the last graduating class of Townsend High School in 1966.
On November 19, 1967 she married the love of her life, Freddie Hamilton Simmons, Sr. Through their love four children were born.
She showed an interest in music at an early age. Her gifts of singing and playing the piano by ear were among the best. She was a devoted member of Beans Creek P.B. Church for over 50 years, where she served in many capacities including Mother Board, choir member, pianist, youth teacher and youth advisor, as well as roles within Friendship U.P.B. Association. She was affiliated with many musical groups throughout middle Tennessee and willingly rendered her gifts whenever she could. In 2010, she accepted God’s call on her life to preach and teach the Word of God. She became a member of New Beginning Apostolic Church of Tullahoma, Tennessee where she served as Assistant Pastor among various other roles. She loved singing, praising the Lord, and witnessing about her God whenever the opportunity presented itself. She was a faithful employee of Tennessee Apparel for over 40 years.
A humble woman, she was raised up by her husband, and her children called her blessed. She loved her grandchildren dearly. She always acknowledged God, encouraged others to follow Christ, and lifted all the positivity she could in everybody. It is true that she loved God. She loved everyone as we are commanded to do. She was a woman of God who impacted numerous lives throughout her lifetime. Even until her last moments here on earth she ministered to us with love. Indeed, she was a treasure and angel of God’s, truly one of a kind, a diamond in the ruff.
She leaves to forever cherish countless loving memories, a loving mother, Hazel Reed of Belvidere, Tennessee; a devoted husband, Freddie Hamilton Simmons, Sr.; four children, Freddie H. Simmons, Jr. of Belvidere, Tennessee; Sequanta (Keith) Madison of Ooltewah, Tennessee; Jermaine (Brandi) Simmons of Murfreesboro, Tennessee; and Shawan (Patrick) Trueheart of Nashville, Tennessee; four grandchildren; Jayden Madison and Jaiya Madison of Ooltewah, Tennessee; Maleah Simmons of Murfreesboro, Tennessee; and Paislee Trueheart of Nashville, Tennessee; five brothers and sisters; Kitty (James) Simmons and Robert (Brenda) Reed both of Belvidere, Tennessee; Richard (Grace) Reed, Sr. of Winchester, Tennessee; Scarlett Reed of Belvidere, Tennessee; and Charles (Sarah) Reed, Sr. of Winchester, Tennessee; a loving mother-in-law; Margaret Simmons of Huntland, Tennessee; five brothers-in-law; nine, sisters-in-law; several uncles, aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins, friends, and acquaintances.
Watson-North Funeral Home in charge of arrangements.