Annie Ruth Simms Obituary - Visitation & Funeral Information

Annie Ruth was born in Tillar, Arkansas as Annie Ruth Redman on July 25, 1934. Her father Scott Redman married her mother Emma Ireland-Harris. She was the second child born of 3 children. She was preceded in death by both of her parents, her brother Willie Andrew Harris and her younger sister Rosietta Linnell. Annie Ruth grew up on a farm as a little girl. She later received her education from Pine Bluff public schools. At the age of 17, she married Nathaniel Simms in Pine Bluff, Arkansas. She then followed her husband back to Saint Louis, MO. It was from this loving union that 2 children were born, Nathaniel LaVon Simms and Joyce Ann Simms. Joyce preceded her in death. She was a devoted and loving mother. She was truly a selfless, giving, and exceptional mother. Her children were her life’s work. Shortly after motherhood, she began working for the Frito Lay Company as a supervisor. It’s here that she created many life-long friendships. Annie Ruth was always known for her smile and sweet demeanor. Annie Ruth loved to dress beautifully in her big hats and dressy suits. She adored her collection of rings, earrings, and necklaces. Gardening was also her passion. She loved the beauty of flowers. Where ever home was, Annie Ruth always created a garden with a touch of love. Even a plant or a bouquet OF flowers would bring a big smile to her face. She enjoyed the simple things. She was a remarkable grandmother. Her grandchildren were her heart. She often looked after them. She enjoyed teaching them how to cook and garden. She loved telling them her childhood stories from down South. Every summer she would take them to Arkansas for vacation. Family was everything to her. She also introduced them to Christ at a young age. She made sure her grandchildren joined the choir, the usher board, and attend Sunday School at Mount Zion Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Reverend Sammie E. Jones. Annie Ruth truly loved God and was sincere about her walk with Christ. Her favorite pastime was listening to Lee Williams & the Spiritual QC’s and watching televangelism. She also helped raised and nurture her great-grandchildren. She would get up early every morning to ensure they were ready for school and on the bus. It was nothing she would not give. Her love would be always remembered. On October 25, 2020, both Annie Ruth and Michael Simms departed this life. God called her home. She leaves behind to cherish her extraordinary memory: her son Nathaniel “Von” Simms; her granddaughters Natisha (Jason) Wilson and Jessica (Brian) Miller; her nephews James “Earl” Dilworth and Otis “O.D” Harris; her niece Cynthia Harris; her great-grandchildren Travis Simms, LaNautica “Nana” Simms, Ashanti Simms, Briannah Miller, Julia Wilson, Makell Hemphill, Natalie Wilson, Brian Miller, Jr., Bishop Miller and Jason “Jase” Wilson, II; and a countless number of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Annie Ruth Simms

July 25, 1934 - October 25, 2020