DARTHELL SIMMONS

Celebrating the Life & Legacy of

Darthell Henry Simmons

May 12, 1940 – May 23, 2026

“Five Generations of Love, Faith, and Legacy”

Some women leave footprints in the sand. Others leave legacies written on the hearts of generations. Darthell Henry Simmons was one of those extraordinary women.

Born on May 12, 1940, to Elihu and Stella V. Henry, Darthell entered this world with a spirit of strength, wisdom, and determination that would become the foundation of her family’s legacy. Her life was a testimony of faith, hard work, and unconditional love.

In 1956, she married the love of her life, G.L. Simmons, and together they built a life centered on family, devotion, and perseverance. From their union, nine children were born, and Darthell embraced motherhood as one of God’s greatest callings. Through every season of life, she stood as a protector, provider, teacher, and unwavering source of love.

But if there was one thing Darthell wanted everyone around her to know, it was this: lean on God first and will direct your path.

Her faith was not simply something she spoke about—it was something she lived. Darthell was strong in her walk with God and believed that prayer, trust, and obedience were the answers to life’s challenges. Through her missionary work, her service, and her daily example, she shared the love of God wherever she went. Whether speaking to family, friends, or strangers, she taught those in her presence to seek God first and trust Him completely.

Darthell’s hands told the story of her life.

They were hands that prayed, comforted, cooked, sewed, and created. She loved working with her hands and possessed a gift for making something out of almost nothing. If it could be built, repaired, crocheted, quilted, planted, or crafted, Darthell would find a way to do it. Her creativity and resourcefulness were admired by everyone who knew her. She believed in hard work and took pride in creating, fixing, and leaving things better than she found them.

And anyone who knew her well also knew another thing about Darthell—she enjoyed knowing what was going on. With a loving smile and curious spirit, she earned the affectionate title of being a little nosey, and she wore it well. She loved sitting on the porch, watching the world go by, visiting with neighbors, sharing stories, and keeping up with family and community happenings. That porch became more than a place to sit—it was her gathering place, her observation post, and often where wisdom, laughter, and unforgettable conversations were shared.

To know Darthell was to know warmth, honesty, strength, and love. She was the family historian, the encourager, the disciplinarian when needed, and the steady presence that held generations together. Her love stretched far beyond her home and embraced all who crossed her path.

While our hearts mourn her absence, Heaven welcomed her home.

Darthell was preceded in death by her parents, Elihu and Stella V. Henry; her beloved husband, G.L. Simmons; daughter Juanita Simmons; son Gary Simmons; grandson Wade Henry Simmons Jr.; granddaughter Francesca Simmons; great-granddaughter Miracle Henry; daughter-in-law Charlotte Simmons; son-in-law Will Kelley; brothers Paul, Delano, Ronnie, Reggie, Ethan, and Billie Henry; and sisters Una V. and Joyce..

She leaves to cherish her beautiful legacy her loving children: Arelia, Wade, Willie, Doris, Doland (Elisabeth), Michael (Leticia), and Kerry, son-in law Earl Battles; brothers Clyde Henry and Gary Henry; and sister Barbara Brackens.

Her love multiplied through 36 grandchildren, 74 great-grandchildren, and 66 great-great-grandchildren, creating a remarkable legacy spanning five generations. She also leaves behind a host of nieces, nephews, extended relatives, and a worldly created family of dear friends and loved ones whose lives were forever touched by her love and guidance.

Darthell’s life cannot be measured only in years but in faith shared, hands that served, wisdom spoken, and love poured into others. She taught us how to work, how to pray, how to persevere, and most importantly, how to trust God through it all.

Today, we do not simply mourn Darthell Henry Simmons—we celebrate her. A woman of faith. A missionary. A builder. A porch storyteller. A praying mother. A grandmother whose love knew no limits. A woman whose legacy lives on through every hand she held and every life she touched.

Forever Loved. Forever Remembered. Forever the Heart of Five Generations.

“Well done, thy good and faithful servant.” – Matthew 25:23