Mrs. Tinnie Margaret Miley Simmons

Tinnie Margaret Miley Simmons was born on June 8, 1928 in Tuscola (Lena), Mississippi to the late Annie M. Jones and William M. Williams. Margaret was an avid traveler, and while on a trip met her future husband, Roosevelt Simmons. They married in 1957 and this union was blessed with two daughters, Tarristine and Ana Marquetta. Roosevelt preceded her in death. A devout Christian and strong woman of faith, Margaret, received her early religious education when she was a young child. At age 13, she joined Bethlehem Missionary Baptist Church in Tuscola, Mississippi. When Margaret later moved to Detroit, Michigan, she joined Grace Presbyterian Church. Grace later merged with Saint Mark Presbyterian Church to establish Hope Presbyterian Church. Margaret was a church elder, and remained a faithful and proud member of Hope where she contributed her time, talent, and tithes. She remained active until faced with health challenges. Margaret received a bachelor’s degree in education from Jackson State University in Jackson, Mississippi. After graduating, Margaret taught at Mississippi Missionary Baptist Seminary in Meridian, Mississippi. She also worked in Yazoo City, Mississippi. She continued her education at Wayne State University in Detroit, Michigan where she earned two master’s degrees. In Detroit, Margaret taught at Brady School and the Wayne County Youth Home School. She ended her distinguished educational career in 1996 when she retired from the Detroit Board of Education. Margaret’s special interests and passions included traveling, faith centered activities, education, life-long learning and service to others through her organizations. In her spare time, Margaret traveled throughout the United States and abroad. Her many travels took her to the 1967 World Expo in Montreal, Canada, and also Egypt, New York City and Niagara Falls to name a few. She loved reading the Bible and wanted to visit the lands where Jesus once walked. After retirement, she took a trip of a lifetime to Egypt. She was able to see the pyramids, the place where Moses was rescued from the Nile River, and Mount Sinai where Moses received the Ten Commandments. She toured the Greek island of Patmos which is also a significant Christian pilgrimage site. In May, 2021, Margaret made her last trip to Carthage, Mississippi to attend her sister, Earnestine’s 90th surprise birthday party. This was a memorable special trip for Margaret and her family. As an excellent cook and hostess, Margaret enjoyed entertaining family and friends. She actively participated in her social organizations that included Eta Phi Beta Sorority, Top Ladies of Distinction and the Red Hat Society, Red Essence Chapter. She also belonged to several community block clubs. Margaret was accomplished in her career and service organizations. She was the recipient of numerous honors and proudly displayed the certificates of recognition she received over the years. Considering Margaret’s strong work ethic, dedication and willingness to go the extra mile to support her professional commitments, church and community service organizations, she deserved the many awards and recognitions bestowed on her. Margaret will be remembered as a remarkable woman with elegant style and for her kind and generous spirit. She loved and adored her family, and was always supportive of family, friends, church family and the greater community. Her grandchildren held a special place in her heart and she beamed with pride and joy when talking about each of them. Margaret went home to be with the Lord on Thursday, January 9, 2025. She leaves to cherish her memory and celebrate her life: her loving daughters, Tarristine Simmons and Ana Marquetta (Henry) Hardwick; a sister, Earnestine LeFlore; grandchildren, Patrick Sampson, Henry Hardwick, Jr., Darren (Ashley) Washington, Tatyana Hardwick, and Devyn Hardwick; great grandchildren, Dajour Sampson and Darren Ayden Washington; niece, Phyllis LeFlore (Willie) Calloway; nephew, Larry (Sykethia) LeFlore; special daughter, Cara Griffin “Angel” (Marcus) Williams; “adopted” children, Lois Griffin, Dorothy and Romeo Rowe and family; a host of loving extended family and friends, and the Hope Presbyterian Church family.

Mrs. Tinnie Margaret Miley Simmons

June 8, 1928 - January 9, 2025