Brenda S. Simmons

Hello my name is David, Brenda’s youngest son. I am here to ask for help in getting my mom a headstone. My mom passed away on 4-3-2024 after a brief illness and the insurance we had did not even cover the funeral but we have since got that taken care of. Headstones are almost as expensive as having a service.

The last part of her life she was going through dementia and it was getting worse daily. At the very end we were told many things and those things changed daily, they said sepsis then pneumonia then bowel obstruction then something else we could never get a straight answer.

We were not prepared to lose my mom as quickly as we did. My mom was a good God fearing woman who came from nothin, married her husband 47 years ago, had 4 children and taught us all to love the Lord. She didn’t have savings or bonds or stocks or 401k. She was a homemaker so there was no money, my dad lives off of social security disability and there’s no money there either. I myself am married and have 6 kids so there’s not a whole lot of money there. Anything helps, I appreciate you for reading this and helping out.

Obituary:

Brenda Sue Simmons, 66, of Lewistown, Mo, beloved wife, mother, grandmother and great-grandmother passed away on April 3, 2024, at Blessing Hospital in Quincy, Illinois after a brief illness. She was born on January 6, 1958, in Atlanta, Georgia, to her parents Calvin Stiles and Yvonne Winegart.

On June 18, 1977, Brenda married the love of her life Kerry Simmons in Stone Mountain, Georgia, and they built a life full of love, laughter, and cherished memories together.

Brenda led a life filled with love, and dedication to her family and friends. She touched the lives of many through her kindness and generosity, her spirit will forever live on in the hearts of those who knew and loved her.

She was preceded in death by her daughter, Kimberly Simmons, a granddaughter Jessica Lanee Simmons, her parents and cousin Rita Gould. She is survived by her devoted husband of 46 years, Kerry Simmons, her sons Kelly Simmons, Steven Simmons and David (Melanie) Simmons all of Cedar Rapids, Iowa. She was a proud grandmother to 10 grandchildren and 3 great-grandchildren. Brenda also leaves behind many church family members and friends, who will miss her dearly.

Throughout her life, Brenda pursued education and worked diligently in various roles, including at Waffle House in Atlanta, Georgia, Thomas Cardella and Associates and Oriley Auto Parts. Brenda was also a fun-loving stay at home wife and mom, an excellent cook, her children often hoping she would whip up her famous "chicken noodle junk" as she called it. The simple life called to her, with favorite past times often including heading out for a swim with the kids and grandkids, taking leisurely drives around the country to enjoy the views and watching for wildlife. Of an evening, sitting around the house with the family enjoying a fun game of Uno or Phase 10, and telling stories about the good ole days would bring a smile to her face. The kids fondly remember her stubborn and sometimes tough ways, it was often "her way or the highway" but knew the love she held in her heart for them. She had a big love of animals even trying to "steal" her son’s cat because she loved him so.

Brenda was a woman of Faith, and a dedicated member of the Apostolic Christian Church of Taylor, where she found solace and community. She loved to read her Bible, the Left Behind series, and King Books as she had a strong belief in the end times.

Brenda was the quintessential never-new-a-stranger type of lady, as she had an uncanny ability to make friends everywhere she went, touching the lives of many with her wisdom and kindness. Brenda cherished the bonds she had with her children and grandchildren and was especially close to her family back home in Atlanta, trying to get home to visit them whenever she could.

The family wishes to express their deepest gratitude to the Taylor Apostolic Christian Church for their unwavering support and encouragement throughout Brenda's illness. Brenda's memory will forever be a beacon of light and love for all who had the privilege of knowing her. She will be deeply missed, but her spirit will live on in the hearts of those she touched.

Pallbearers will be Christopher Simmons, Corey Cottrell, Steven Simmons, Kelly Simmons, Ely Simmons, and Dale Simmons.

Memorial contributions may be made to the family.