Mrs. Bessie Maude Simmons, 85 of Fountain Hill, AR, died Monday, April 1, 2013 at The Woods in Monticello. She was a lifelong resident of Drew County, a homemaker and was a member of Bethel A.M.E. Church. She loved fishing, singing and gardening.

Mrs. Simmons was preceded in death by her husband, James Norris Simmons, one daughter Karen Simmons, her parents, William "Jay" Cochran and Sarah Thomas Cochran Miller, and one sister, Verlee Smith.

She is survived by one son, James L. Simmons, wife, Carol of Baltimore, MD, Troy D. Simmons of Augusta, GA (who she raised as her son), two daughters, Dorothy McHenry of Fountain Hill, AR & Vera Wilson of Fort Smith, AR, three sisters: Maudine Nolen of Maywood, IL, Willie Mae Venson of Monticello, AR, and Irene Reed of Los Angeles, CA, numerous grandchildren, great grandchildren, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

Funeral services are Friday, April 5, 2013 at 2:30 pm at Bethel A.M.E. with Presiding Elder James R. Hooper, Officiating. Pallbearers are Ricky Daniels, Greg David, Vernon Fisher, Ray Venson, Reggie Venson and Bobby Ray Miller. Burial in Norris Hill Cemetery under the directions of Cromwell Funeral Home of Hamburg, AR.