Susie Mae Simmons

Susie Mae Simmons was born in Wesson, Ark on June 27, 1927, to the late Rev. Anthony and Mrs. Maggie Modisett. To this union 6 children were born.  Susie was the fourth child.

Susie spent her early childhood in Wesson where she attended Wesson Public school until 1944, when her family relocated to Bremerton, WA. She graduated from Bremerton High school in 1946 and continued her education at Western State College.

While attending church at Ebenezer A.M.E Church, Susie met the love of her life, Jimmy Simmons. He sang bass in a Navy quartet group singing songs like “Oh What A Time, My Lord What A Time”.  Susie enjoyed hearing Jimmy and the group sing.  Jimmy and Susie dated and soon fell in love.

Jimmy returned to Woodruff, South Carolina in 1946, but their courtship continued via U.S. Mail.  Jimmy returned to Bremerton in 1948 and asked for Susie’s hand in marriage.  They exchanged vows on August 31, 1949, in Bremerton, WA.

The happy couple relocated to Jimmy’s native hometown, where they’re first child, James, was born.  Susie missed her family, so, to keep her happy Jimmy agreed to returned to Bremerton.

Upon returning to Bremerton, Susie obtained employment at the Naval Shipyard as a Data Communication Equipment Supervisor where she had a long and successful career, retiring after 30+ years. Ensuring she had a permanent church home she joined Mount Zion Missionary Baptist church in 1951. She served on the Usher Board, where she held the office of President for several years.  Additionally, she was a member of the Deaconess and Mothers Board.  She was a student of Bible Study Fellowship International and became a teacher upon completion of her course studies.  Throughout her life she made it her mission to fulfill God’s great commission.  “He said to them, “Go into all the world and preach the gospel to all creation.” (Mark 16:15) In 2004, at the tender age of 77 Susie went to Kenya in East Africa, taking with her much needed computers, toothbrushes, toothpaste and other personal hygiene items. 

Susie was an active person who enjoyed many activities.  She was a member of a bowling league, enjoyed baking, knitting and doing word search.  She stayed in shape by attending water aerobics and walking.  Taking herbal supplements and juicing was important to her as part of her maintaining a healthy lifestyle.  She often shared new tips with her friends.  Her 2nd son, Vernon, was in a terrible car accident that left him with a head trauma that went untreated for several years. During a visit to South Carolina with her husband Jimmy, Susie came across head trauma information from watching a TV program on PBS.  Susie requested the transcript of the program. Vernon shared this with his attorney which led him to the doctor that provided him the necessary treatment that changed his life tremendously.

Susie was a member of Madrona Chapter No. 14, Order of the Eastern Star where she served in various appointed positions eventually becoming Worthy Matron.  She was a member of Prince Hall Grand Chapter, where she served as Grand Worthy Matron from 1986 until 1988.  During this time, she traveled overseas to make Official visits to chapters in other countries.  Additionally, she spearheaded numerous fundraisers to support the Grand Chapters’ scholarship fund and was also a member of Cascadian Assembly No. 46 of the Golden Circle, Tacoma, WA.  Susie served on the board for Aging and Long-Term care for the City of Bremerton in the mid 1990’s.  

The greatest joy of Susie’s life was her family. She was a devoted mother, grandmother and great-grandmother. Susie imparted to her children and grandchildren the importance of having strong morals, loving God, have dreams, be independent and have your own money.  She was a den mother for her sons’ Cub Scout troops, and supported her daughter, Sundra’s dance dreams.  One of her favorite sayings was, “If I can help somebody, then my living shall not be in vain.” When her oldest son, James became a widower, Susie relocated to San Jose California to assist him with raising his two young children, Donnie and Azha.  Along with her son and his family she became a member of Emmanuel Baptist Church.  Some years later, she relocated to Livermore California to stay with her daughter Sundra and granddaughter, Anisha, where she became a member of Family Bible Fellowship where she served as an Usher and was a member of the Wise Warriors Senior Ministry. Whenever she visited Bremerton, to spend time with her 2nd son, Vernon, she worshipped at her home church, Mount Zion Baptist Church.   Everyone who knew Susie spoke highly of her sweet spirit.  They also said if you shared something with her in confidence it stayed with her.  She was a rare jewel indeed.

Susie was preceded in death by her parents Rev. Anthony and Mrs. Maggie Modisett, her loving husband, Jimmy Simmons, her sisters Mary Lucille Mouton and Thelma Lee Modisett, her brothers Calvin, Clemon and Frank Modisett, and her nephew Jerome Mouton. Left to cherish her memory are her loving children, James (Jo, now deceased) Vernon (Renee) and Sundra Simmons; three grandchildren, Adonis (Karlin, now deceased) and Azha Simmons, and Anisha Gipson; two great-grandchildren, Elijah Thomas and Moriah Jo Simmons; her niece Sharon Sibley (Tony), her Goddaughter Tiffany Kirkland (Hasaan) and a host of nieces, nephews, and other relatives and friends.