By Special to the Daily World
Family, friends and Deltas paid final tribute to Soror Annie Ruth Carter Simmons, who died Dec. 13, at Atlanta Hospice after a long bout with cancer. Affectionately called “Ann” by friends and family, she was 69 and an attorney by profession.
Born to the union of Christopher Carter and Mrs. Mary Lou Vaughn Center on Jan. 7, 1942, in Newnan, Ga., she was the youngest child and only daughter. She was preceded in death by her three brothers, Christopher Jr., Dr. Clifford and Ronald Carter.
Her early training was in the public schools of Newnan, with graduation from Central High School, Clark College and Woodrow Wilson College of Law in 1979. She was initiated into Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, Inc. through Sigma Chapter at Clark College in 1961, and was active in the Atlanta Alumnae Chapter, where she served on the executive board. She was united in marriage to her husband, Robert Leon Simmons, on Dec. 30, 1964, and they started the law firm of Simmons and Simmons Attorneys at Law in the West End area. They were always together, and they loved attending church, traveling together, entertaining and serving their community. Above all, they enjoyed spending time with their grandchildren.
In 2010 she was presented the “Torch Award” by the Atlanta Alumnae Chapter of Delta for her outstanding contributions in the area of Social Action, and she served as a volunteer on the Board of Directors of the American Heart Association and the Diabetes Association. She served as vice-chair of the Board of Directors of the Atlanta Life Development Center Inc., a foundation that provides scholarships to youth.
Ms. Simmons was a member of the Kappa Silhouettes, where she served as a past president. She and her husband were members of Hoosier Memorial United Methodist Center, and the deceased served on the Board of Trustees for six years. They both served as co-chairs for the Family Ministry.
Rev. Dr. Bernice W. Kirkland, senior pastor at Hoosier, gave the eulogy and greeted the full congregation. She also brought prayer. Reflections were given by Genelle Hollis, Margaret Gentle, Myra Alexander and Camille Zeigler, with music by soloist Dr. Frederick A. Fresh.
Murray Brothers Funeral Home on Utoy Springs, handled the burial that followed the service at Westview Cemetery on Saturday, Dec. 17.
Ann Simmons is survived by her husband, Robert Simmons; four children, Michelle Simmons Daly (Joseph), Mario Simmons, Monti Simmons (Christina), and Michael Simmons (Felecia); nine grandchildren and numerous other family and friends.
A repast followed the burial at Hoosier United Methodist Church on Benjamin Mays Drive, S.W.
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