Ida Mae Simmons

Ida Mae Simmons leaves to cherish: one son, Sylvester Simmons of Council Bluff, Iowa; two daughters, Brenda Joyce Hutchison of Zion, IL,Yolanda Frazier (Andrew Frazier, Jr.) of Zion, IL; two stepsons, Howard Simmons, Jr. (Gene), of Elgin, IL, and Dwight Simmons of Desplaines, IL; eleven grandchildren; 12 great-grandchildren; one sister-in-law, Frances Howze of South Carolina; special family members, including a niece raised as her daughter, Bessie Brown of Bessemer, AL, as well as Elvin Hoskins (Sylvia), Bill Hutchison (Tina), and Inez Simmons; Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church family; and host of other relatives and friends. Ida’s favorite scripture was St. John 14:1-3. She always said, “God give you five common senses.” She was a Church Mother of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church Waukegan, under the leadership of Pastor Arthur Gass, Sr., and she was a formal member of Mt. Zion Missionary Baptist Church, under the leadership of Rev. B.J. Gaston. She also enjoyed singing in the choir, leading songs under the director of music, her son, Sylvester Simmons. Ida loved attending Waukegan High School basketball and later, college games cheering on her grandson, Laron Frazier, watching great-grandson, C.J. play football, and playing with the rest of her great-grandchildren. She enjoyed holidays laughing and singing with family and giving us a sermon at family functions. She was active and walked 2-2.5 miles in Zion in the spring and summer while shopping. She was always a Fashion A+ and always thought “you should look good.” Ida was preceded in death by her husband, Howard Simmons and the two have now reunited. Also preceding her in death are her father, Deacon James Howze; mother, Carrie E. Howze; sister, Mrs. Genora Bell Bray; brothers, Clarence Howze, Alphonso Howze, and James Howze; and nine siblings.