Viola Simmons

Funeral services for Viola Simmons will be held Saturday, March 9, 2023 at 11:00 AM at Rocky Mount Church in Robeline, LA with Pastor Chris Johnson officiating.  Burial will follow at Rocky Mount Cemetery.

Viola Simmons “Vi” was born on May 21, 1928 to Mary and J. F. Sims in Robeline, Louisiana.  She was one of ten kids and had plenty of stories to tell the grandchildren about her siblings.  She left school after she finished the sixth grade to care for her two younger brothers and to maintain household duties.  Vi married Lester “Mike” Simmons and continued to farm.  Vi and Mike had three children, Louise, Curtis, and Michael.  When farming did not prove profitable, the family moved to Michigan and did well.   Those who knew Vi will remember how much she really loved fishing.  It was her favorite hobby.  She also enjoyed gardening, canning, cooking, baking, and reading.  She loved her family dearly and treasured them every day.   Wherever she moved to, she always made sure to hang all of her family photos on the walls.

Vi is survived by her brother, John Sims and daughter, Louise Dawkins; her grandchildren, Cindy Garbati, Tammy McFarland, and Michael Lynn Simmons; great-grandchildren, Garrett Simmons, Shealyn Singletary, Kevin McFarland, and Lily Garbati; and great-great-grandchild, Emma Rose Simmons.  She is preceded in death by her parents, J.F. and Mary Sims; her brothers and sisters; her husband, Mike; her sons, Curtis and Michael; and her grandson, Matthew.