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Obituary For Rev. Edward Simmons, Jr.
"For the law of the Spirit of life in Christ Jesus hath made me free from the law of sin and death."
Romans 8:2
On the evening of May 12, 2025, surrounded by the warmth and prayers of his family, Reverend
Edward Simmons, Jr., peacefully transitioned into eternal rest at the age of 82. He was at the home of
his beloved sister, Evangelist Audrey Whittington, in Jackson, Mississippi, with both her and his
devoted niece, Felicia, at his side. Reverend Simmons was born on March 30, 1943, in Albany,
Louisiana, to the loving union of Edward, Sr., and Mary R. Simmons. A man of great strength, humility,
and faith, his departure marks the close of a remarkable earthly journey and the beginning of his
eternal reward.
He was previously married to Catherine Young for ten years. One daughter, Glenda Simmons-Breaux,
and one son, Edward Simmons III, were born to this union. Rev. Simmons later married his former wife,
Elois Green, with whom he was married for twenty-nine years.
Pastor Simmons dedicated his life to Christ at the age of 13 and was baptized at Greater New Home MB
Church in New Orleans, LA. He became the President of the Youth Choir and was significantly involved
in the church throughout his life.
In 1976, he formally answered the call to ministry. He was licensed to preach on July 6, 1977, and
ordained on July 8, 1979. These moments marked the beginning of a lifelong journey of preaching the
Gospel, nurturing souls, and walking in the power of the Holy Spirit. Rev. Simmons was a faithful
member of New Testament BC in New Orleans, LA, under the leadership of Rev. Jack Baptiste until his
illness. He was also a member of the Rising Sun Baptist Association and the Ninth Ward Ministerial
Alliance.
Pastor Simmons was the founding pastor of New Way Christian Center in New Orleans, Louisiana,
where he served faithfully from 1986 until the devastation caused by Hurricane Katrina in 2005. He
also took the Gospel beyond the church walls, engaging in street evangelism, hospital and prison
chaplaincy, as well as local radio and television ministry. His passion was to reach the broken, the lost,
and those hungry for truth.
His deep love for education and biblical teaching was evident throughout his life. Reverend Simmons
graduated from Joseph S. Clark Senior High School in New Orleans in 1963. He went on to earn an
Automotive Mechanic Certificate from Delgado Junior College in 1974. Pursuing his calling, he received
a diploma from Rhema Correspondence Bible School in Broken Arrow, Oklahoma, in 1998 and an
Associate of Arts Degree in Church Leadership from Central Bible College in Springfield, Missouri, in
2013. He was ordained by Trust In Christ Ministry in Los Angeles, California, in 1979. Additionally, he
completed coursework in the History of Baptist Churches and Theology from a Black Perspective
through the Missionary Baptist State Congress of Christian Education of Missouri. He served in a wide
range of ministries, from chaplaincy in the New Orleans Parish Prison System to hospital ministry at St.
John’s Hospital in Springfield, Missouri, and correctional ministry at the Medical Center for Federal
Prisoners and FCI in Phoenix, Arizona. Whether serving on the streets, behind prison walls, in hospital
rooms, or at the altar of the church, Pastor Simmons embodied the anointing of a shepherd.
Throughout his decades of unwavering service to God and community, Reverend Simmons was
recognized with numerous awards, certificates of appreciation, and accolades that celebrated his
tireless dedication to ministry, outreach, and spiritual leadership. These tributes were bestowed upon
him by churches, correctional institutions, hospitals, civic organizations, and fellow ministers across
the country. Each honor served as a powerful testament to the impact of his compassionate heart,
steadfast faith, and commitment to walking in the footsteps of Christ. Whether preaching behind a
pulpit, praying for the incarcerated, comforting the sick, or mentoring the next generation of leaders,
Pastor Simmons lived of service. His accolades not only honored what he accomplished but also
reflected the profound difference he made in the lives of countless individuals and communities. They
remain as enduring symbols of a legacy deeply rooted in faith, service, humility, and love.
In every city he lived, from New Orleans to Los Angeles, Dallas, Tulsa, Phoenix, and Springfield, Pastor
Simmons remained a steadfast spiritual leader. He led Life Groups in his home, mentored other
ministers, and continued to pray for and lay hands on the sick. His life was marked by transformation,
obedience, and unconditional love for God’s people.
He will be remembered for his booming voice, compassionate heart, powerful sermons, and fierce
commitment to God’s Word. He impacted countless lives, not only through his preaching but through
his example of servant leadership and unconditional love. His life was a living testimony of redemption,
transformation, and obedience to God’s call. A man of great faith and humility, Pastor Simmons' legacy
lives on in the countless lives he touched through his words, his testimony, and his love. Preceding him
in death were his beloved parents, Edward Sr. and Mary Simmons; his three brothers, Pete, Billy, and
Nathaniel; and his three sisters, Valma, Rose, and Gladys.
He leaves to cherish his memory to his daughter, Glenda Simmons-Breaux of Phoenix, AZ, and son,
Edward Simmons III of New Orleans, LA; , grandsons, James and Joseph (Angel) Jenneford, and a great-
granddaughter, Makayla Jenneford of Phoenix AZ; sister, Evangelist Audrey Whittington of Jackson, MS
and brother, Louis (Shelita) Simmons of New Orleans, LA,; several nieces, nephews, and other relatives;
friends, and spiritual sons and daughters, and a body of believers forever impacted by his life and
ministry.
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.”
Services
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Condolences & Tributes
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My deepest condolences to the family to the church members to all the great new home Baptist Church family
Pastor Simmons you will be missed. Thank you for being a godly example for our family. Leading us in the Way and making sure we had the foundation of Jesus while we were still young. Your prayers and sermons are still written on my heart and for that I am grateful. I wish I could have told you this while you were here but I am comforted in knowing that you are with the heavenly Saints! You were a great Pastor and I am blessed to have had you as an Uncle as well. ❤️💜 love always, your niece Toya.
Our staff will continue to keep your family in our prayers. We thank you for allowing us to serve your family.
