John L Simmons

John L. Simmons was born April 19, 1948 in Gould, Arkansas to Virgil and Ethel Simmons. Both preceded him in death. He was born to a family of 13 children, in which 3 brothers preceded him in death (Virgil Jr., Richard, and Henry Simmons). John confessed a hope in Christ at an early age and was baptized at the Mt. Moriah Missionary Baptist Church in Gould, AR. He graduated from Gould High School in 1968. He later moved to Chicago, Illinois and began his career where he was a cab driver for the city of Chicago for many years. Later he started his career with Brach’s Candy Company. He worked there for 33 years as a candy maker. He was excited to tell everyone, “I make candy.” He married the love of his life, Darlene Walker Freeman, on September 2, 1977. John leaves to cherish his memory: his wife Darlene Simmons, two daughters Sonya Freeman and Latoya Simmons, and one son John Simmons Jr., eight grandchildren: Jasmine, Jeremy, Jonanthan, Taylor, Tatiana, Jevin, Jaivon, and Jonathon; three great grandchildren: Jammarion, Layla, and Kristen; four brothers and five sisters: Gary (Toy) Simmons, Lee Ester Simmons, Napolion (Martha) Simmons all of Chicago, IL.; Barbara Thomas of Pine Bluff, AR.; Robert Simmons of Gould, AR; Minnie Simmons OF Gould, AR; Wayne (Lisa) Simmons of Dumas, AR; Brenda (Jimmy) Nance of Pine Bluff, AR; and Glenda Scott of Gould, AR; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.