Inger Simmons

Inger Elizabeth Simmons, 65, of Marietta, GA passed on April 22, 2020 in Atlanta, GA from a short but courageous battle with gall bladder cancer. Memorial services and dedication ceremony for immediate family will be held at 2:00 pm EST, Tuesday April 28 at Cheatham Memorial Park in Marietta, GA with The Rev. Idalia Craig, retired Episcopal priest, Diocese of New Jersey, officiating. Arrangements by Southern Cremations & Funerals. Inger was born in Spartanburg, SC to Clifton Earl Simmons and Etla (Dowdy) Simmons on February 18, 1955. She was one of seven siblings, one brother and five sisters. She graduated from Hampton University in 1977 with a degree in Broadcast Journalism. Inger settled in Toledo, OH shortly after graduating college where she spent more than 35 years. She worked in the Information Technology field for AT&T and Dana Corporation, where she rose the ranks to become one of few African American women to achieve a Director title. Inger also took pride in being a successful minority business owner in the service field, opening Odella’s Washland which faithfully served the Toledo, OH community for over 10 years. But, of all successes Inger mastered, her sons, James and Shawn, by far were her pride and joy! As a single mother, Inger always bragged about her accomplished, young men and the families they had built. She would proudly joke that she would always be known as “Jimmy and Shawn’s Mom.” Inger was always an exceptional mother, daughter, sister, grandma and friend who provided sound advice to whomever needed it. Her larger-than-life smile and laugh closely matched her zest for life. Later in life, Inger’s passion turned to her grandchildren, gardening, bird watching, trying new hobbies, theatre and traveling. Her backyard garden was meticulously cultivated over several years which was the backdrop of many celebrations, get togethers and mornings with her beloved grandchildren. Retiring in 2017 helped fuel Inger’s blossoming love of bird watching and travel, which were often combined. She was able to visit many new places over the last three years including Morocco, National Parks, Egypt, London, Paris, Greece, Rome, New Mexico and Maine to name a few. Inger recently relocated to Georgia, where she was excited to live closer to the sunshine, family and have many more adventures. She was so thankful she was able to spend her last months with her family right by her side. Inger is preceded in death by Clifton Earl Simmons (father) and Clifton Earl Simmons, Jr. (brother) Inger is left to be cherished by her mother: Etla Simmons, sons: James (Melandee) Canady, III, Shawn (Amanda) Canady, sisters: Idalia Craig, Sylvia (Louis) Robinson, Vicky (Henry) Logan, Patricia (Harry) Tallman and Cynthia (Stanley) Jones, her beloved grandchildren: Claudia, Chloe, Clarabelle, Camilla, Cruiz, Simone and James “JC” Canady, IV and many loving nieces & nephews. In lieu of flowers, the family is asking for donations in the memory of Inger E. Simmons, to the American Bird Conservancy (https://abcbirds.org/donate). Upon donation, please notify Shawn Canady, 2362 Alexander Farms Court SW, Marietta, GA 30064. The family of Inger Elizabeth Simmons wishes to extend our sincere thanks to St. Vincent’s Hospital, St. Luke’s Hospital, Winshop Cancer Institute of Emory University Hospital, and Homestead Hospice. Also, a special thanks to Southern Cremations & Funerals for providing such a special place for Inger to rest. ♫ We are Family! ♫