Ora Lee Simmons

Obituary For Ora Lee Simmons

Ora Lee Simmons, 95 of Memphis, Tennessee died on Wednesday, March 22, 2023, at her residence in Memphis, Tennessee. Ora Lee Frazier Simmons was born on May 6, 1927, to the late John Ivory and Cora Bonner Frazier in Hollywood, Mississippi. She peacefully departed her earthly vessel on March 22, 2023. She was affectionately known as “Madea”. She was a mother to all the people she met. She accepted Christ at an early age and continued her faith at Hopewell Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend L.M. McNeil and currently, Reverend James Pugh. She had been a faithful member since 1955 and served in the Mother’s Ministry until her health began to fail. In 1941, Oral Lee married Percy Simmons, and to this union, twelve children were born. God added two daughters to their family, and Madea was blessed to raise thirteen children. Madea was employed by various companies throughout her career. However, catering was her favorite of all. She loved cooking for family and friends. She also enjoyed fishing, gardening, and traveling. She leaves to cherish her memories, Percy, Jr. (Mary) Simmons, Mildred Robinson, Marvis Jean Turner, Pearl Simmons, Ernestine (Robert) Caldwell, Brenda Joyce (Orlando) Hill, and Brenda Jean Anderson, all of Memphis, Tennessee, and Faye (Rufus) Taylor of Sacramento, California. Madea will be greatly missed by thirty-three grandchildren, sixty-seven great-grandchildren, and a host of other relatives. She was preceded in death by her husband, Percy Simmons, Sr.; sons, Lee Matthew, Odis Simmons, Isaac Simmons, and Jimmy Dale Simmons; and daughters, Ruthie Lee Simmons and Lisa Lockett. The family will receive friends from 4:00 PM to 6:00 PM on Friday, March 31, 2023, at R S Lewis & Sons Austin Peay Chapel, 3651 Austin Peay, Memphis, Tennessee. Funeral service will be at 12:00 PM on Saturday at R S Lewis & Sons Austin Peay Chapel located at 3651 Austin Peay Memphis, Tennessee.