Claudia Mae Simmons Davis Williams was born on June 4, 1928, in Brooks County, Georgia, one of a set of twins, to the late Charlie and Corean Simmons. She peacefully entered eternal rest on January 27, 2026, surrounded by a legacy of faith, family, and love.
Claudia was raised in the Grooverville Community, where she learned the values of hard work, faith, and service that shaped her life. In 1948, she married George Davis whom she met at a church social. To this union one son was born, Curtis Davis.
After marrying her beloved husband, the late OrllisWilliams, she moved to Florida, where they began raising their family. In 1970, Claudia returned home to Quitman, Georgia, where she continued to build a life centered on family, church, and community.
She was a devoted mother to nine children: Curtis Davis of South Pasadena, California; Orllis Williams (Cassandra) of Lithonia, Georgia; Gwen Brinson (Donnie) of Atlanta, Georgia; Rosetta Franklin (David) of Vacaville, California; Carolyn Williams of Quitman, Georgia; LaJoyce Perry-Trotter (Johnny) of West Lake, Florida; Shannette Chestnutt (Reginald) of Marietta, Georgia; Tracy Davis (Rudolph) of Dixie, Georgia; and Virginia Hester (Preston) of Quitman, Georgia.
In addition to her children, she lovingly raised her granddaughter, L’Tele Moore of Conyers, Georgia, as her own.
Claudia was blessed with a large and loving family, including her grandchildren: Jarvis, Donald, Katrina, Tishan, Adam, Nicole, Renee, Angela, Carrington, Branden, Antoine, Kelci, Reginald, Kaila, Rejai, Kaleb, L’Tele, Marques, Coleman, Chelsey, Ashley, and Jeremiah; and her great-grandchildren: Kenard, Amari, Safyre-Rose, Qai, Bailey, Kaleb, Jordan, Zion, Eden,Eleesia, Arielle, Aniya, Echo and Kamaya.
She is also survived by her brother, Robert Simmons of Quitman, Georgia; her sister-in-law, Jessie Brown of Thomasville, Georgia; her brother-in-law, Henry Moore, Valdosta, Georgia along with a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, and cherished family friends, Juanita Williams, Eloise Smith and Ida Lamar.
Claudia was preceded in death by her husband, OrllisWilliams; her parents, Charlie and Corean Simmons; and her siblings: Charlie (Mary) Simmons, Jr., Ralph Simmons, Lizzy (Willie) Ray, Patana (Stomer) Golden, Maudia(Henry) Whitfield, Snow Ollie Moore, Clarence (Jean) Simmons, and Infant Jackie Simmons.
Affectionately known as “Mrs. Claudia,” she truly never met a stranger. She was a lover of books, a fierce Bid Wiz player, with a mean jump shot, and a woman who delighted in community service, raising chickens, gardening, canning fruits and vegetables, and following sports. She was especially known for her famous Sour Cream Pound Cake, which was shared generously and remembered fondly. With her warm smile and quick wit, she imparted wisdom and joy to everyone she met.
A faithful servant of God, Claudia was a devoted member and “Mother” of Beulah Missionary Baptist Church, where she served faithfully on many auxiliaries. She was also instrumental as a founding member of The Pearls, a group of ladies who gathered monthly for fellowship, sharing, laughter, and food—bonded by sisterhood and love.
Claudia’s dedication to service extended into her professional life as well. She worked for the Brooks County Board of Education until her retirement. In recognition of her impact and strength, she was honored with the Phenomenal Woman Award.
Claudia Mae Simmons Davis Williams leaves behind a powerful legacy of faith, resilience, generosity, and love. Her life was a living testimony, and her memory will forever remain in the hearts of all who were blessed to know her.
Visitation will be Friday, February 6, 2026 at the Stevens-McGhee chapel from 1PM-7PM.
A celebration of life will be Saturday, February 7, 2026 at 11AM at the Church of God in Unity Tabernacle. Burial will follow in Walker Cemetery. Visit this website to view a livestream of the celebration.
Continue to pray along with the family during this trying time.