Rita May Simmons

Rita May Simmons passed away at Hospice Ministries in Ridgeland, Mississippi on Sunday, April 9, 2017. The youngest of three children, she was born in Jackson, Mississippi to the late James Miller May, Sr. and Gladys Patterson May on May 7, 1931. Soon thereafter, she moved with her family to Florence, Mississippi. Mrs. Simmons graduated from Florence High School and Mississippi College. On April 18, 1953 she married Harold Hutchins Simmons of Utica, Mississippi at First Baptist Church, Florence. They resided in Utica for the next 62 years until they moved to Sunnybrook Estates in Madison, Mississippi in August, 2015. Mrs. Simmons was a devoted homemaker to her husband and their four daughters. She supported and was actively involved in their school activities. Mrs. Simmons lovingly served the community of Utica and was a faithful member of the Utica Baptist Church where she served in many various capacities. For over 60 years, Mr. and Mrs. Simmons cherished their friendships and meals shared with their friends known as “The Supper Club.” Mrs. Simmons was preceded in death by her husband on February 28, 2017. She is survived by four daughters: Lisa Simmons Smith and her husband Kelly Smith of Greenville; Cynthia Simmons of Portland, Oregon; Jackie Simmons Boone and her husband Ray Boone of Madison; and Jan Simmons Roberts and her husband Dr. Bruce Roberts of Brandon. She also leaves to cherish her memory seven grandchildren: Kell Smith and his wife Mary Straton; Peyton Smith and his wife Margaret; Lindsey Boone Hoskinson and her husband Jeremy; Carly Boone Ramirez and her husband Marc; Haley Boone; Ashley Roberts Herring and her husband Steve; Matt Roberts and his wife Elissa. Mrs. Simmons was also the proud great grandmother of fifteen great grandchildren. In addition, she is survived by her brother, James Miller May, Jr. and his wife Anita May of Florence, and numerous nieces and nephews. Mrs. Simmons was predeceased by her parents, her sister and brother-in-law, Miriam “April” May Cooper and Bill Cooper of Ridgeland and niece, Sharon May of Florence. Visitation will be Wednesday, April 12 from 9:30-11:00 AM at the Utica Baptist Church, with a celebration of her life beginning at 11 AM at the church. Burial will follow at the Utica Cemetery. Memorials may be made to Utica Baptist Church, P.O. Box 205, Utica, Mississippi 39175 or Utica Cemetery Association, P.O. Box 129, Utica, Mississippi 39175. The family would like to express sincere appreciation to the staff at Sunnybrook Estates and Covenant Caregivers for their exceptional care.