Mother Johnnie B. Simmons

Racine- Mother Johnnie B. Simmons, a devoted servant of God, departed from this life, bound for the heavenly shores of God’s Kingdom on February 1, 2013 at the young age of 103.  

She was born on August 16, 1909 to the late John and Elizabeth (nee: Boyd) Stricklin in Ripley, MS.  She was the last surviving member of this blessed union.   She professed her faith in Christ at an early age and joined the St. John Baptist Church in Ripley, MS under the leadership of Rev. C. L. Fry.  She completed the required level of education at the St. John Community School.  

She married George Simmons on May 2, 1928.  They enjoyed 65 years of marriage before his passing in April 23, 1993.  To this union, ten children were born.    She also was blessed with 35 grandchildren, 60 great-grandchildren, 57 great-great grandchildren and 2 great-great-great-grandchildren.  

On her Christian journey, Mother Johnnie united with the Second Missionary Baptist Church in Ripley, Mississippi, where all her children received their Christian education.  She worked as a housekeeper to supplement their family household income.  She was a member of the Home Missionary Society, member of the Adult Choir, secretary of the Farmer’s Wife Aid Society, and secretary for the Parents Teachers Association at the Ripley High School.  

In 1960, she and the remaining three children, Vallie, John and Robert joined her husband George who had previously relocated to Racine to find better employment opportunities.  She found employment as a housekeeper at St. Mary Hospital where she retired after 13 years.  In her position, she made many acquaintances and prayed many prayers for the sick.  

Upon her arrival, Mother Johnnie united with the St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of the late J. B. Bailey.   Many years later, she received her Missionary license from the Bishop Lawrence Kirby, Sr.   In this capacity, she visited the sick and imprisoned members of society.  She was an avid reader and writer and in her later years, wrote spiritual letters to people all over the United States.   She was president of the Mother Board, Deaconess Board, Mission Department (serving as president for fifteen years), member of the Women Fellowship, secretary of her Sunday School class, long standing member of the NAACP and a former member of the Eastern Star, Chapter No 9.  She traveled throughout states to attend the National Baptist Convention and she is affectionately known as “Mama Johnnie”.    

She leaves to cherish her memory, her daughter, Vallie (Walter) Rogers whom, she lived with for the last ten years; her other children; Deborah Cobb, Elizabeth Gregory, Minister Mary Weatherspoon, Orine Story, Lorene Story, William (Ruth) Simmons, all of Racine, Wisconsin; John Simmons of Oak hill, Wisconsin. She also leaves two granddaughters – which she partly raised, Mary Selmon and Martha Selmon of Racine, Wisconsin; special niece, Bessie Spears of Milwaukee, WI; special nephew, John C. Norman of Dalton, IL; sister-in-law, Annette McDonald, Ora Simmons and Betty Simmons of Blue Mountain, MS; Goddaughter, Lorene Robinson of Ripley, MS and Mary (Walter) Hughlett of Milwaukee, WI; and many grandchildren, nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.  

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Ruth Simmons; son, Robert Simmons; Goddaughter, Willie Gilliam; Godson, Charles Boyd, Sr.; grandson, William Curtis Selmon; and great-grandson, Anthony Selmon; sons-in law, Earnest “Bud” Cobb, James Weatherspoon, Elmo Gregory, William Story and Oliver Story.  

The Homegoing Celebration will be held on Saturday, February 9, 2013 at 11:00 am in St. Paul Missionary Baptist Church, 1123 Center Street, with Bishop Lawrence L. Kirby officiating. A repast / reception will follow. Visitation and viewing will be held in St. Paul Baptist Church on Friday evening from 5:00 – 7:00 pm and on Saturday from 10:00 -11:00 am. Private interment will take place next to her beloved husband, George, in Graceland Cemetery.