Evelyn was born the fifth child in a sibling ship of eight to the parentage of Fred Walter and Ollie Mae Turner Simmons.

As a young child her parents dedicated Evelyn to the Lord in being christened at the Holt Chapel AME Church in Haddock, Georgia.  As a teenager Evelyn committed her life to Christ and was baptized by Rev. F.J. Jackson at Mount Salem Baptist Church in Gray, Georgia.

Her education began at home with her mother, father, and extended family in teaching her right from wrong.  She attended Holt School in Haddock from first through third grades.  She then attended fourth through ninth grades at Gray Elementary and High School in Gray, Georgia.  She finished her high school years, grades ten through twelve at Maggie Califf Elementary and High School in Gray. She graduated as an honor graduate in 1958.

After graduating high school Evelyn went on to American Business College in Macon, Georgia and received a certificate in Secretarial Studies.  She also took classes at Georgia Military College and what is now known as Georgia College and State University.  She was employed for over 30 years for Central State Hospital as a Human Services Tech.  This was a very challenging job but it came with its rewards especially when she could help her clients and families.  

After retiring from Central State she became a Certified Nurse's Assistant through the Central Georgia Technical College's CNA program.  As a CNA she continued to work with individuals at home in need of nursing assistance until she was no longer physically able to assist them.
 
Evelyn, still determined to help as many people as she could, then began substitute teaching for the Jones County Public School System for several years.  She also volunteered with several organizations in Jones and Macon-Bibb counties to include, History and Heritage, Senior Friends, American Cancer Society-Relay for Life and many more.

Evelyn loved people.  She loved her family and friends very dearly.  She would make it a point to keep in touch with as many of her family and friends that were not in the immediate community on a consistent basis.  With that in mind she left this following note to all in her final instructions for her home going:

“To my loving family and all of my friends, my arms are not long enough to hug all of you at the same time, but my heart is
big enough to love each and everyone of you.”

Love,
Evelyn

Evelyn was preceded in death by her father and mother (Fred W. and Ollie M. Turner Simmons); brothers (Willie L. Turner, Otis F. Simmons, James A. Simmons, Fred W. Simmons Jr. and Eddie, G. Simmons); and a sister (Rosie B. Simmons Finney).  She is survived by her younger sister (Mabel Simmons Harris); her Son (Antoine L. Simmons); her Grandchildren (Ansley D. Simmons, Amariah K. Simmons, and Asa J. Simmons) and a great host of Nephews, Nieces and Cousins.