Mammie Simmons Few

Mammie Simmons Few was born on April 25, 1935 in Goodwater, Alabama to the parentage of the late John Henry McElrath and Georgia Dark Bozeman. Mammie received her formal education in the Coosa County School System. At a very young age, she accepted Christ as her Lord and Savior at Bethel Missionary Baptist Church in Ashland, Alabama where she became and remained a lifelong faithful, loyal and active member, serving on the trustee board, deaconess board and teaching Sunday School until her health began to fail. She loved her church and her church family. At the age of 14, Mammie married her childhood sweetheart, Mr. J. D. Simmons, who was known by the family as "The Rock". Together they were blessed with 64 beautiful years of marriage and four loving and caring children, James, Larry, Mammie and Dianne. Mammie's working career as a master seamstress empowered her to work in various sewing companies including, Southland Manufacturing, Russell Mills and Higgins before retiring. Mammie, known to her family as "Mammie Lee" was the matriarch of her family. She loved taking care of her children and grandchildren and also being a caregiver to her friend, Annie Maude Walker Saxon's children. Mammie was well-known for her fashion and keeping up with the latest styles. You would often see her shopping at her favorite spot, Ross Clothing Store, which is where she enjoyed getting her feisty look. Her passion was in sewing and she enjoyed tending to her garden and planting her beautiful flowers, but she really got a thrill out of preaching to and keeping her kids and grandchildren straight! Giving them a piece of her mind came easy as long as they knew she meant business. Mammie carried a sweet fun-loving spirit, loved to laugh, and always brought joy to others around her. Later in life, after God call Mr. J. D. Simmons for eternal rest, Mammie found love again in Mr. Nathaniel Few, and they were blessed with 7 lovely years of marriage. After 87 blessed earthly years, Mammie completed her journey of exuberant life and selfless love on Wednesday, April 27, 2022, as she peacefully fell asleep and answered her Master's call while in the comfort of her home-surrounded by loved ones. She was met at the pearly gates and welcomed home by her loving parents, John Henry McElrath, Sr. and Georgia Bozeman, husbands, J.D. Simmons and Nathaniel Few, and son-in-law, Jerry L. Turman. Mammie's 87-year legacy of love and memories will remain in the hearts of her two sons, James Dewayne (Lois) Simmons and Larry D. (Janice) Simmons; two daughters, Mammie L. Turman, and Dianne Bell; 1 brother, John Henry McElrath, Jr.; 1 sister, Mary L. (David) Wilson; 11 grandchildren-Tara (Carlos) Jackson, Shane Simmons, Kanada (Valentina) Simmons, Roger (Delecia) Bell, Denisha (LeBaron) Streeter, Dwayne Simmons, Artavian (Octavia) Simmons, Anthony Simmons, Aliyah Simmons, Sholanda Scott, and Eugene Johnson; 17 great-grandchildren; four great-great-grandchildren; three nephews, Bobby, James, and Freddie Ford; two sisters-in-law, Nell (Clarence) McKenzie and Jane (Jewell) Foster; and a host of other relatives and friends. Mammie will always be remembered for her dedication, her love, her humor, her loyalty, and her kind heart.

Tributes

Mammie Simmons Few

April 25, 1935 - April 27, 2022