Funeral Services for Mrs. Katie George Johnson Simmons will be held 12 noon EST Friday, July 31, 2026 at Greater Mt. Zion Baptist Church. Burial will follow at Sunset Memorial Gardens. Visitation will be Thursday, July 30, 2026 from 3:00 pm until 6:00 pm at the funeral home.

Mrs. Katie George Johnson Simmons was born on June 20, 1933 in Pittsview, Alabama. She peacefully entered eternal rest on Saturday, July 25, 2026 in Albany, Georgia. During her 93 years of life, she became known to generations of children, grandchildren, and great-grandchildren simply as "Ma Ma"—the heart of the family and a woman whose unwavering faith, strength, and love created a legacy that will endure for generations.

Mrs. Katie was the daughter of Katie Williams Johnson and Elijah "Lodge" Johnson. After the loss of her mother, shortly after birth, Katie was lovingly raised by her grandmother, Martha (Hamp) Williams. At the age of five, they relocated to Pratt City in Birmingham, Alabama, before returning to Pittsview where Katie accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. At the age of twelve, she was baptized at Cool Springs Baptist Church. That decision became the foundation of her life. She remained a devoted member of Greater Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Phenix City, Alabama for more than seventy years.

Mrs. Katie attended Pittsview High School, where she excelled academically and athletically. An avid reader with a curious mind, she loved sports and participated in basketball, track and softball. At just sixteen years old, Katie married Simon Simmons, Sr. and became the devoted mother of seven children: Simon ("June Boy"), Shirley, Patricia ("Trit", Ricky Joe, Yvonne ("Lady Bug"), Clifford ("Man"), and Constance ("Conk Conk"). Raising seven children—many years as a single mother-required extraordinary strength and sacrifice, yet through hard work and unwavering determination, she made sure no one in her home ever went without.

Mrs. Katie began her career at a neighborhood dry cleaners, where she became the first African American woman trained to operate the front register after beginning as a presser. Later, she devoted herself to raising her family, including caring for her son with special needs. Gifted with her hands, she was an accomplished seamstress, styled her daughters' hair, and approached every task with excellence. She later worked for twenty-seven years at Bibb Mill before retiring from Fieldcrest Mills.

Education with one of Mrs. Katie greatest priorities. She never missed the PTA meeting, remained actively involved in her children's schools and constantly reminded them that adulthood came with responsibility. She often told them, “When they turned eighteen, they would either attend college, serve in the military or get a job; Independence was not optional —it was expected”. Every child learned to cook, clean, work hard and take responsibility for themselves. She led with quiet strength, a soft-spoken voice and a smile her family will never forget.

As her family grew, so did her role as its beloved matriarch. "Ma Ma's house" became the gathering place where generations created lifelong memories. Her grandchildren fondly remember weekends together filled with laughter, card games and the aroma of Sunday dinner. No one ever left her table hungry or her home without knowing they were loved.

Gentle in spirit, generous in heart, steadfast in faith and compassionate toward others, she embodied the Proverb 31 woman.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Katie Williams Johnson and Elijah "Lodge" Johnson; her siblings, Eddie Lou Petties Richardson, Rev. Hamp Johnson, James Johnson, Sr., Ole Lee Benton, William Johnson and Jessica Evans; her sons, Ricky Joe Simmons, Simon Simmons, Jr. and Clifford Simmons; and her granddaughter, Monique Shavon Wright.

Her greatest legacy lives on through her beloved daughters, Shirley (Robert Williams, Patricia (Clifford) Williams, Yvonne (Milton) Wright, and Constance (Gerald) Williamssister, Willie Pearl Womack; nieces, Mary McFarlin and Margaret Sumbry; first cousins, Gwen and Terry Franklin, Richard "Bo" Perry, Jr. and Henry "Pete" Sims; sixteen grandchildren; numerous great-grandchildren and great-great-grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, extended family members, and dear friends.

The family extends hearttelt appreciation to Greater Mt. Zion Baptist Church and Pastor Noble Williams of Phenix City, Alabama; Mt. Zion Baptist Church in Albany, Georgia, under the leadership of Pastor Daniel Simmons, for faithfully caring for Mother Simmons during her years as a Watch Care member; and to the many family members, friends, neighbors, and loved ones whose support and act of kindness have comforted our family during this difficult time.

Mrs. Katie George Johnson Simmons leaves behind far more than memories. She leaves a legacy rooted in faith, perseverance, sacrifice, unconditional love and family. Because she lived, generations have been strengthened. Because she be-lieved, generations have hope. Because she loved so faithfully, generations will continue to carry forward the foundation she worked so hard to build.