Mrs. Linda Simmons Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

SIMMONS, Mrs. Linda - Age 66 passed away Monday, July 18, 2022 at Ascension Genesys Hospital. Linda Denise Simmons, was born June 22, 1956 in Selma, Alabama to Perry Simmons and Corine Simmons Threlkeld. She relocated to Flint, Michigan and attended Flint Community Schools, graduating from Flint Central High School in 1974. Linda accepted Jesus at an early age, and was a faithful member of Mt. Olive Baptist Church, serving in various capacities in the ministry. She enjoyed attending church and exemplified Christlike attributes. She was a firm believer in action, not in words, and would literally give you the shirt off her back. Linda truly had a servant's heart. Linda attended and graduated with honors from the University of Michigan-Flint, Eastern Michigan, and was a Ph.D. candidate at Walden University. She was an avid life learner, always taking classes, reading, studying, looking for new ways to better reach and educate children. While she might have been quiet, reserved, or observant elsewhere, it was children that made her heartbeat and burst open with love. She once told a teacher when talking to her about her son, “If you can’t help him, don’t hurt him” and she worked every day as an educator to help each student, as they needed. She didn’t believe in cookie cutter approaches, just the best way for success. She also wanted teachers who worked with her to be successful, to grow, to learn how to be their best. Linda knew how to empower people. Over the years she also volunteered with The Urban League of Flint, The United Negro College Fund, Crim Road Race, Operation Brush Up. She is also an honored member of the “Sophisticated Savvy Seven” of The National Sorority of Phi Delta Kappa, Incorporated. Family was everything to Linda, she always showed up at reunions, gatherings, and made sure her Mom was present. The joy of Linda’s life were her children, Jamila and Yannick and her grandchildren, Jordyn and Amari. She would say, “I just love my grandgrands” and her smile would be ever so big. She always had time for her family, although her favorite pastime was being at home with a book or watching BBC on her iPad. Linda had a unique relationship with each of her siblings, nieces, and nephews, again, not being cookie cutter, she knew how to be what people needed and showed up. In turn, when she needed them most, they were there for her. Her sister, Regina and niece, Raven, showed up and showed out, coordinating Linda’s care towards what we didn’t know would be the end by cooking, laughing, crying, cajoling, and messaging others. Regina was Linda’s right hand, leaving Linda in awe of her baby sister. Linda was a leader, mentor, and friend to many, but a special sister/friend to some that never faltered. Gloria Scruggs and Bridgette Petty were long time friends whom she dearly loved. She was always a call away and now a lost connection that is irreplaceable. Left to mourn and celebrate the Life of Linda Denise Simmons are, mother, Corine Simmons Threlkeld; daughter, Jamila (Jerome) Whitaker, Oak Park, MI; son, Yannick Simmons-Coleman, Glendale, AZ; sister, Regina Simmons, Flint, MI; brother, Byron Simmons, Denver, CO; granddaughters, Jordyn Thomas, Amari Simmons-Coleman; nieces Raven, Kaejah, Beonka, and Deasia; grand nephews, Bryce Simmons-Griggs and JaKayne White. Linda was preceded in death by her father, Perry Simmons, Sr., sister, Barbara Simmons, grandmother, Viola Byrd, Aunts; Mattie Mitchell and Oreatha Finley, Uncles; Robert, Charles, and Joseph Irby, and brothers, Edmund Simmons, and Perry Simmons, Jr.

Mrs. Linda Simmons

June 22, 1956 - July 18, 2022