Mother Azalee Franklin Simmons, affectionately known as Hassie, Granny, Dottie, Dearest, and most profoundly “Nena”, which means “This is Mother,” was born on August 7, 1940, in High Point, NC to the late Joe Giles and Carrie Franklin. Mother Azalee peacefully transitioned from this journey on June 3, 2025, and left a legacy of faith, family, love, and laughter.

Mother Azalee received her education through the Guilford County School System and proudly graduated from William Penn High School in 1958. She soon fell in love and entered into holy matrimony with the late George Howard Simmons. Together they shared 24 years of marriage that was built on love, strength, and deep faith. Their union was blessed with nine children – each one part of the legacy Mother Azalee leaves behind. To be closer to Azalee’s mother, they moved to Elizabeth, New Jersey and after many years they returned to High Point to pursue new opportunities for their family. She was a firm, yet loving disciplinarian to her children, who she lovingly raised with the fear and admonition of the Lord. Mother Azalee built a respectable career at Presbyterian Home in High Point and retired in 2005 after 23 years of dedicated service. She built her life on a foundation of faith, surrounded by family, filled with love, and brightened by laughter.

Mother Azalee was a woman of unwavering faith — her relationship with God was the cornerstone of her life. She accepted the Lord Jesus Christ as her Savior at an early age and began her Christian journey at First Emmanuel Baptist Church in High Point. As her faith grew, so did her commitment to serving the Lord. She and her family later became active members of Foster Grove Baptist Church under the leadership of Rev. B.D. Curtis, where they served faithfully for many years. Since 2021, Mother Azalee had been a devoted member of New Horizon Baptist Church in High Point, where she served with honor as Mother of the Church under the pastoral leadership of her son, Pastor Timothy Simmons. Worship through music was especially dear to her heart. Gifted with a rich alto voice, she joyfully sang praises unto God, often lifting her voice in spirited, foot-stomping gospel songs like “I Know the Lord Will Make a Way Somehow” and “When I Get to Heaven, I’m Going to Sit Down.” Her spiritual journey was rooted deeply in her personal walk with Christ. Mother Azalee not only lived her faith but shared it freely, always encouraging others to seek and trust in the Lord. Her life was a shining testimony of grace, devotion, and the power of unwavering belief.

Mother Azalee was the life of every family gathering and she was known for her cooking. In fact, family and friends, especially her grandchildren, would often ask her to make broccoli salad, chicken and dumplings, and sweet potato pie with her secret ingredients. Mother Azalee was also known for her wit. She was quick with a joke and was known for retelling life’s events with humor and flair. Mother Azalee loved shopping, crossword puzzles, catching up with her siblings, and watching TV. She delighted in watching The Game Show Network, Family Feud, Judge Judy, and The Price Is Right. Most of all, one of her greatest joys was spending time with her grandchildren and great-grandchildren and creating more cherished memories together. Mother Azalee will be fondly remembered for graciously imparting wisdom, encouragement, guidance, hope, and love to all who had the pleasure of knowing her. Her home was a place of warmth, laughter, and unconditional love which closely correlates with her favorite scripture, 1 Corinthians 16:14, “Let all that you do be done in love.”

Mother Azalee was preceded in death by her beloved husband, George Howard Simmons; two children, Carolyn Denise Simmons and Dennis Wayne Simmons; brothers Robert Lee, James Norris, Eugene, George (Janie), Cecil, Cleveland, and Clemon Franklin; sisters Peggy Ann Myers and Alesia Marie Gass; her dearest friend and sister-at-heart, Mattie Dunlap; and in-laws Leroy (Naomi) Simmons and Annie Sapp (William).

She leaves behind a rich legacy of faith, love, and devotion, cherished by her children: Teresa (Prince) Middleton of Archdale, NC; Vivian Ann (Pete) Simmons of High Point, NC; George Howard Simmons, Jr. of Charlotte, NC; Douglas (Tiffany) Simmons of Mooresville, NC; Rodney Alexander Simmons of Greenville, SC; Timothy Simmons of High Point, NC; and Jermaine Bernard Simmons of Greensboro, NC. She is also survived by her loving sister, Rosa Alford of Brooklyn, NY, and her lifelong friend, Virginia Miller of High Point, NC. Her extended family includes brother-in-law Robert Gass of Roselle, NJ; fourteen grandchildren; sixteen great-grandchildren; and several “bonus children” who held a special place in her heart: Rhonda (Kenny) Eller, Sandra Gilmore, Amanda Dines, Ava Pope, Elder Beverly (Reggie) Kinsey, and Alexis Cole. A host of nieces, nephews, church family, and friends also remain to celebrate her life and carry forward her legacy. She will be deeply missed and forever remembered.

Funeral service will be held Saturday, June 7, 2025 at 11:30 a.m. at Calvary Baptist Church. Entombment will follow at Carolina Biblical Gardens. The family will receive friends at the church from 11:00 a.m. until 11:30 a.m.

Final arrangements are incomplete at Phillips Funeral Service, Inc.