Ms. Madgeline Gardner Simmons

Madgeline Gardner Simmons 92 of Lithonia, Georgia transitioned the home on Friday, September 24, 2021. Madge, as she was affectionely called was born October 26, 1928, in Shreveport, Louisiana before moving to Kansas City where she lived and worked for over 65 years. She was the eldest of six brothers and sisters. Madge’s parents John B. and Alether (Jackson) Gardner Sr., two brothers John B. Gardner Jr., James Gardner, and a son Elmer L. Simmons Jr. all preceded her in deh. Madge was born in the rural Louisiana where she experienced many hardships, but this did not stop her from becoming an industrious graceful lady. She tended Caddo Parish public schools where she desired to further her educion, but educion was a luxury during those times. Madge continued to dream of a better life and in 1946 met and married Elmer Simmons Sr. in pursuant of this dream. She and Elmer moved to Kansas City in 1947 and to this union three children were born Barbara (Louise), Elmer Jr. (Ubbie), and Joyce (Lainie). Leaving the south was a double-edged sword, Kansas City wasn’t much different th time however, she and Elmer were able find the opportunities. She took her rural experiences turning them into determinion, respect, dependability, and dignity with pride. Madge used her skills and talents from working around the home into a profession. Madge worked as a housekeeper for over 60 years working for many prominent families in the Kansas City area, and she was proud of it. She was the best in the business, her name preceded her talents, and she never went without job. home she loved to cook and bake trying out new recipes on her family. She took a cake decoring class just to show off her talents. One of the things she would say, “food must look good as well as taste good,” and she lived by th motto. She enjoyed holiday gherings and she hosted many Thanksgiving dinners. Family meant the world to Madge tending all barbeques, birthdays, graduions, and weddings. If there was a family event she was there on time with a gre big smile. Madge especially liked graduions because she was passione about educion. She beamed with pride to see her children and family accomplish their goals. Madge loved her extended family however, the grandchildren and gre-grandchildren were special, because they were her legacy. She looked forward to their visits by planning something good to e and giving each one a card with a note, scripture, and something green inside. Madge’s upbringing was in the church, her mother loved the Lord and taught all six to do the same. She gave her life to God after moving to Kansas City. She tended several churches before making Emmanuel Missionary Baptist her first church home. Madge loved the Lord and did all she knew how to lead a Christian life, she “walked like she talked it,” always having encouraging words to say, backed up by scripture. She read and studied her bible faithful standing on the word of God, her favorite book in the bible was Psalms. As far Madge was concerned prayer was the key to everyone’s problems. Her famous stement was, “God is a way maker. How do I know? Because He made away for me” this was her testimony. Madge taught Sunday school, supporting fundraisers. and giving to many outreach ministries. Whever she could do to help, she was there ready and willing to do any task giving 110%. She didn’t have to be out front; she would do her part and if God was sisfied, so was she. She gave God the glory for everything in life, any goal th was accomplished and every spiritual victory she won God got the praise. Madge became a member of Mount Vernon Missionary Baptist Church under the leadership of Pastor Donald Givens before her illness and moving to Georgia. Madgeline has won the final victory, she has crossed to the other side, she has seen Jesus, she has a mansion, and is walking on streets paved with gold. She will be missed by her loving family. Two daughters; Barbara Weaver of Fresno, California, Joyce Hill of Lithonia, Georgia, Four grandchildren; Vance and Aaron Weaver of Fresno, CA, Nichole (Calvin) Wall of McDonough, GA, Jhere Rowland of Lithonia, GA. Four gre-grandchildren; Jasmine Yancie of lanta, GA, Imani and Dominic Wall of McDonough, GA and Makenzie Rowland of Lithonia, GA. Three sisters; Betty Billiard and Vera Gardner of Kansas City, MO and Erma Yarbrough of Setle, Washington, and One brother Don (Linda) Gardner Hawkins of Converse, TX., and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.