Linda Diana Simons

Ms. Linda Esther Diana McCreary Simons was born to Garfield and Nellie McCreary on May 29th, 1950 in Augusta, GA. She was 6th of the 7 children born into the McCreary family. Thanks to her 4 brothers, she became very competitive and developed a love for sports. She played basketball in high school, and was quite the athlete. She graduated from Immaculate Conception Catholic School in 1968. Afterwards she attended Augusta Technical College, where she received her Associates Degree and obtained her LPN license. Her father, Garfield, taught her the value of hard work, and ensured to instill in her “you’re not a McCreary if you don’t know how to work.” This quote was one she kept dear to her heart as she ventured out into the world to establish herself. During her 20’s she married Noel Simons. From this union one daughter was born: Esther Sunni Noelle (Blake). Although she was a LPN for a short time, she later ventured over to Bellsouth, where she spent 17 years as a Telephone Operator. During her tenure at Bellsouth, she also took on a part-time job at the Omni Coliseum. This became more of a pastime than a job to her as it gave her the privilege of not only watching her Atlanta Hawks play on their home court, but also to enjoy her other passion, music; as she watched countless talented artists grace the Omni stage. Over the years she cultivated many friendships from jobs and encounters. One of which was Franklin Smith. A great friend for 30+ years who befriended each other while working at Bellsouth, and was very instrumental with raising her daughter, Sunni. After retiring from Bellsouth in 1996 she returned to nursing as an LPN for the next 18 years with organizations such as King’s Bridge Retirement Community, Canterbury Court, & Amedisys (formerly known as TLC Staffbuilders). During her latter years she shared a long-term relationship with Anthony Smalls. They often enjoyed trips to South Carolina, fishing, and other activities.

Linda loved to talk to people and loved to laugh and have fun. She was known for making silly faces and trash talking, especially when it came to the Atlanta Falcons. For those who knew Linda, she was a very giving person. Always willing to provide assistance when necessary. On May 14, 2016 she was called home to be with the Lord. She was preceded in death by Garfield McCreary (father), Nellie McCreary (mother), James “Jimmy” McCreary (brother), Larry McCreary (brother), Robert “Bobby” McCreary (brother), Catherine Ward (sister). She leaves to cherish her memory a loving daughter: Esther Sunni Blake (Amili Blake), Grandchildren: Tionna M. Johnson, Robert M. Johnson IV, & Rhyann D. Blake. Siblings: John R. McCreary & Harriett Noxon (Mark Noxon), and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and extended family and friends. As this day passes, allow her smile to shine upon your hearts always, as we have been blessed by her presence in our lives. Funeral services will be held Saturday, May 28, 2016 at 11:00 am at Forest Lawn Funeral Home, 5755 Mallory Rd., College Park, GA 30349. Interment Forest Lawn Memorial Gardens.