Simmons, Marie

Harold Frazier Mortuary

Posted

Marie Vivian Simmons was born on April 5th,1932 in Ladson, South Carolina, she was the first daughter to the late Hattie and Herbert Ravenel. After the untimely death of their father, Marie and her siblings Ted, Irene, and Willis, were raised by grandparents Selena (Mam’ma) and Lucius (Daddy) Pinnacle in the close-knit community of Ladson. Marie attended school in Berkeley County as a child but moved to Charleston to obtain her diploma from Burke High School. She excelled in courses like cosmetology, and Marie learned sewing from Mam’ma and was an accomplished seamstress. Undaunted by the segregation that would not allow her to try on any clothes from King Street; she went home and made the same clothes herself. Her quick mind and vision for detail landed her supervisory positions on the factory floor in the textile industry. It was in Charleston that she met another Burke Bulldog, Henry Simmons, who was enlisted in the United States Air Force. They were married more than 53 years, raising three children: Francheryll, Peggy, and Mark, and lived in several states as well as abroad in England. As Henry completed his second tour of duty in Vietnam, Marie decided that her traveling days were over, and in 1971 moved to West Ashley in the home that many came to know and love. The foundation of her strong faith was laid in Ladson by her grandparents. Daddy and Mam’ma made sure all under their roof attended Sunday School, Bible Study, and every Church service. Moving to Charleston as a teenager, she joined Washington Methodist Church. Wherever Henry and Marie lived she made sure her family always held a church membership. Marie bore witness to the joy of having been churched all her life and in her latter years joined W.O.R.D. Ministries in Summerville, South Carolina. There she served as an Elder and ordained minister, the eldest member of the board of trustees, as well as the eldest member of the church. Her faith was never hidden; from street evangelism and witnessing; to minister to the sick and shut-in; to intercessory prayer in the church building, and at home; to support and care for grieving families, she knew the weapons of her warfare were mighty through God. Marie was loved by many, and in her latter years she was cared for in her home by her grandsons/big boys David Willis and Jarmal Lee; and her friend and sister in Christ, Tabatha Wilson, in addition to countless caregivers. She was preceded in death by her husband Henry; son Mark; and daughter Peggy and son-in-law Rob. She also mourned the death of sisters Irene and Beverly, and brothers Virgil and Ted. She leaves to cherish and celebrate her life, brother Willis Ravenel (Anna Mae); daughter Fran Atchison (Samuel); grandchildren Matthew and David Willis, Jael Atchison Williams (Marshall), Danielle, Kevin, and, Jonathan Atchison; Nortina, Mark (Shaela), and Kevin Simmons; Shon, Jarmal, and Megan Lee; her neighbor for more than 50 years Alice Wise; her W.O.R.D Ministries family; and a host of in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. Marie was known by many names: Rica, Sister, Elder Marie, Mother Marie, Queen, Mommy, Granny, Grandmommy, and friend. However, she would like most to be remembered as a faithful servant and child of the Most High God.