Mr. Obed Simmons

Obed Simmons was born on September 24, 1949 to the union of Ralph and Ollie Simmons in Leland, Mississippi. He accepted Christ as his Savior at an early age and united with Greater Westside Church Of God In Christ under the leadership of the late Pastor Willie Hines. Obed completed his formal education in 1969, at Lincoln High School in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Following high school Obed was drafted into the United States Army. He served in Vietnam from 1969 to 1971. He was unable to finish his tour after being struck down in combat, he survived. Obed was released with an honorable discharge and received many medals including the Purple Heart. He was employed by Continental Can Company as a Machine Operator for eleven years until his health would no longer allow. In his leisure he enjoyed sports, football and basketball. On October 24, 1978 Obed was united in holy matrimony with Diane M. Gant. They were blessed to be married for thirty-eight years. Obed was a devoted, loving husband, father, grandfather, mentor and true friend. His fondest memories were of his childhood and he loved talking about his old buddies from school and the neighborhood. He talked about how much fun they had while growing up. He always said that was the best time of his life. Even his mom would invite some of his friends to church because she kept Obed in church all his childhood life. Obed cherished his children, anything they needed he was there. His grandchildren as well, always encouraging them, mentoring them in anywhere he saw fit. He always talked to them about being respectful to teachers and people in authority. He also praised them when they did good in school. He loved joking and playing around with them. He was so proud of all his grandchildren. The day before he passed he met his two month old granddaughter for the first time. Erica wanted him to hold her, but he told her he was too weak. Obed didn't attend church much after he came home from the Army, he didn't care for big crowds. The children often sung in church, he always took us. Then he would come home to watch Time Of Grace. That was the pastor at St. Marcus Lutheran Church. Obed loved hearing Pastor Jeske every Sunday. As soon as it was over, Obed was at church picking us up. He stayed in his truck with it running for the family. The grandchildren called him "Poppy." In 2000, his mother came down with Alzheimer's disease. Obed loved his mother and brought her home to live with the family. He took care of his mother until her passing in 2009. Obed also took care of his mother-in-law until her passing in 2006. She loved Obed, she asked him "Are you going to forget about me when I'm gone?" Obed told her "I will never forget about you Mrs. Gant." Obed was a kind and patient man, he was always fair, he never took sides with anyone. When it came to family he was the first to come and the last to leave. He had a beautiful spirit and will be deeply missed. Through all of his illness he was grateful, he never stopped saying thank you. Sometimes he looked sad when his meals were fixed, he might eat, and he would only take a bite or two. Whatever I did for him, or he asked of me he always said "Thank You Diane." He was grateful to our son Jakari. Jakari quit his job to take care of his dad, from treatments, doctors appointments or a late night emergency at the VA Hospital to get fluids. Jakari was very dedicated to his dad, he never wavered. Obed was also grateful to all the neighbors and friends who called to ask how he was doing, said prayers or gave him encouraging words. Obed was known to all his friends as O.B. In December of 2015 Obed's health took a terrible turn. He was eating fairly well but not enough, his weight was declining. He went to the VA Hospital and saw his doctor. They performed numerous tests. In January the doctors admitted him to the hospital. They revealed he had pancreatic cancer. Obed went through all his treatments. The doctor worried about his weight and offered his hospice care. Obed told him "No, he was not ready to die" he was going to fight until the end. The cancer never spread so the doctors offered him radiation for six weeks. Obed completed five full weeks. It took a toll on his body and he was so weak. Obed still fought until the Lord called him home. Obed Simmons departed this life on September 15, 2016. He was preceded in death by his father, Ralph (1971); mother, Ollie (2009); brother, Arthur Simmons; and sister, Diane Simmons. He leaves to cherish his precious memories: his beloved wife, Diane Simmons; daughter, Erica Simmons; son, Jakari Simmons; six grandchildren, Tataynia Simmons, Jakari Simmons, Jr., Kennedy Simmons, Nyla Simmons, Uriah Simmons and baby Taylor Echols; brother, Alfred (Gee) Simmons; sister, Ida Mae (Ronald) Jenkins; nephew, Darrian Duplessis; niece, Tashiksa Scott; and a host of cousins and family members.

Mr. Obed Simmons

September 24, 1949 - September 15, 2016