Mrs. Bessie Mae Simmons was born on September 19, 1942, in Milledgeville, Georgia, to the late Arthur and Willie Bell Brown.

She received her education in the Baldwin County School System and graduated from Boddie jr. High School in 1960. She loved the Lord and was a devoted woman of God. Her early upbringing was in Shiloh Baptist Church, and she went on to become an active and dedicated member of Springhill Baptist Church for many years. 

On September 1. 1968, she joined the late Heardie Simmons, Jr., in holy matrimony. To this union two daughters were born, and she truly adored them. Bessie loved to sing and had a sweet spirit. She also had a sense of humor and often kept others laughing. To have known her was to love her. Bessie was one of the lead singers for the Bonnette Gospel Singers for over 50 years. She was employed by Central State Hospital as a Clerk for 32 years. 

Bessie leaves to cherish her memories two daughters, Shannon Hitchcock of Milledgeville, GA; Stephenie Hurt of Gray, GA; three grandson's Timothy Davis-Hurt of Mableton, GA; Zavan and Zachary Hurt of Gray, GA; one granddaughter Zacori Hurt, of Gray, GA; one sister, Annie Pearl Brown of Milledgeville, GA; one aunt, Rhoda Smith of Lawnside, NJ; a devoted niece, Vickie Harris, and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends. 

Funeral Services were held on Saturday, June 1, 2024, at 11:00 AM from the Victory Baptist Church, Milledgeville, Georgia. Interment followed from Austin Memorial Cemetery, Milledgeville, Georgia.