Funeral services were held at 11 a.m. on Monday, Jan. 16, 2023, at McKibben and Guinn Funeral Service in Grenada for Mrs. Shirley Ann Jackson Simmons, 87, of Natchitoches, La., formerly of Grenada, who died on Friday, Jan. 13, in Starkville. Burial followed in the Simmons family plot in Woodlawn Cemetery in Grenada. The Rev. Eugene Heimbach officiated.
Shirley was born on Dec. 22, 1935, in Grenada, the daughter of the late John Crawford Jackson Sr. and the late Nellar Mae Wilson Jackson. She worked as a teacher’s assistant in the Grenada School District for a number of years. She was a faithful member of Emmanuel Baptist Church in Grenada and enjoyed being part of the JOY Sunday school class. Shirley will be remembered as a woman who loved her family, the Lord and the Mississippi State Bulldogs.
In addition to her parents, her husband, Charles Grady Simmons Sr.; two daughters, Patricia Grammer and Gail Pittman; sister, Sandra Armetta, and stepfather, Billy Leach, preceded Shirley in death.
Survivors include, one daughter, Beverly McCormick (Brad) of Chelsea, Ala.; son, Charles Simmons Jr. (Patti) of Desloge, Mo.; brother, John Crawford Jackson Jr. (Kayte) of Ripon, Calif.; eight grandchildren, Brooke Simmons, Julia Richardson, Dustin Grammer, Lacy Carraway, Kary Katharine McDonald, Grady Casey, Jessica Gibson and Vanessa Short, and one great grandchild, Brynleigh Richardson.
Pallbearers were Connor Carraway, Jerry Gilliland, Wayne Harlow, Colton McDonald, Corey Richardson and Dwayne Westmoreland.
The family would like to express sincere gratitude to the second floor, fourth floor and extended care staff at Natchitoches Regional Medical Center; the staff of the Claiborne in Starkville and the staff of Enhabit Hospice for the professional and sincere care extended to Shirley.
The family takes comfort in knowing that Shirley is rejoicing with her loved ones and in the presence of our Lord and Savior. “They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.” Isaiah 40
Online condolences can be expressed to the family at www.mckibbenandguinn.com
McKibben and Guinn Funeral Service in Grenada was in charge of arrangements.
