"He that dwelleth in the secret place of the Most High shall abide under the shadow of the Almighty. I will say of the Lord He is my fortress; my God, in him will I trust." Psalm 91:1-2

Ms. Lela Beth Simmons was born October 2, 1948, in Jasper, Texas, to the late Leon S. and Evelienea Samuel Simmons. She was a devoted sister of nine children. She attended J.H. Rowe ISD, where she was a band majorette who blew the clarinet. She loved biology and home economics. Lela attended McKinney Job Corp. and was a seamstress and upholstery worker. In her early years, she was employed by Bonita Laundry, as a seamstress, Hines Healthcare, and Jasper ISD. Lela committed herself to raising one son, Leon Dexter, whom she loved dearly; he called her "Duches". Lela was also known to many as "Aunt Lela", "Big Mama", and "Tea Cake Lady". During her youth, she united with the Evergreen Baptist Church, West Side Church of Christ, and Peaceful Rest Baptist Church. She later returned to Westside, where she was a committed radio service listener, because of her health, and tither.

She was preceded in death by one sister, Mable L. Galloway, and one brother, Leon E. Simmons.

Our beloved Lela leaves cherished memories to: her son, Dexter, and his wife, Antinette; two brothers, Emery (Lalo) and Larry (Annie) Simmons, both of Jasper, TX; sisters, Annitte Bailey, Glenda (CJ) Collins, and Helen (Anthony) Collier, all of Jasper, TX, and Evelyn Simmons of Arlington, TX; one aunt, Ms. Willie M. McFarland of Los Angeles, CA; two uncles, William (Mary) Samuel of Newton, TX, and Joe (Ella) Samuel of Missouri City, TX; a special sister-in-law, Ms. Lillie Simmons of Jasper, TX; she also leaves her love to three granddaughters, Chelsia, LaQuinta, and Kayla; two grandsons, LeLand and Kortney; four great-grandchildren; and a host of devoted nieces and nephews.