Lula Mae Simmons - Obituary

ula Mae Cox Simmons March 28, 1933 - April 11, 2022 Mrs. Lula M. Simmons was born the third of five children to the late Maximo Gomez “Bud” Cox and the late Amanda Lee Ingram (Ingraham) Cox in Evergreen, Alabama on March 28, 1933. At an early age Lula joined Saint James A.M.E. Church of Miami, Florida. She earned her high school diploma, and in 1954, earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Education from Florida A&M University (FAMU). While attending FAMU, Lula met and married the love of her life COL (Ret.) Jerry Alfred Simmons II. Lula was at Jerry’s side throughout his illustrious military career, supporting him and rearing their family around the world. She also headed several committees and military officer’s wives’ organizations devoted to charitable works and community revitalization which led to various commendations. Lula was a dedicated substitute teacher for over 30 years as well as a loyal matriarch for her entire immediate and extended family. She worked tirelessly to ensure opportunities were open to the generations that followed her. Lula loved and uplifted every single member of her considerable extended family; all of whom benefitted from her encouragement, listening ear, support, beautiful smile and generous nature. She spoke and laughed from her heart—a true woman of courage. Lula Simmons was an advocate for higher education and a lifetime member of the FAMU Alumni Association. Always a creative individual, Lula enjoyed crocheting, ceramics, macramé, crafting, baking, entertaining, sewing and several other artistic endeavors. She was a homemaker extraordinaire known far and wide for her Sunday Morning waffles, banana nut bread, pound cake, German chocolate cake and spaghetti sauce made from scratch. Mrs. Lula Mae Simmons was preceded in death by her beloved husband of 60 years, COL (Ret.) Jerry Simmons II, all of her siblings: Homer Cox (Genette), Charles Cox, Martha Cox and Norma Jean Cox Coes (Richard, deceased), and late sister-in-law Annie Mae Cox. She leaves to cherish her memory her three children: Marian D. Simmons Smith, Angela R. Simmons, and Jerry A. Simmons III; her favorite and only grandchild Tiffany N. Smith; her late husband’s siblings Oliver Simmons (Gloria), Ruth Collins (Harold, deceased) and Frederick Simmons (Sylvia, deceased); and a host of loving nieces, nephews, relatives, caregivers, friends and fellow Rattlers. To know her was to love her. A Celebration of her life will be held on Wednesday June 22, 2022 at 11:30 am at Kalas Funeral Home. Lula will be interred alongside her husband at Arlington National Cemetery following the service.