Near Boynton, Oklahoma, the youngest of 5 children born to Allen James and Louise Lowe Simmons arrived on June 24, 1925. He was named Fedro James.

He received his education at New Hope, Oklahoma and served his Country honorably in the United States Army. He found Christ at Willow Grove Church of God and later joined with his family at Beebe Memorial CME Church.

He fell in love with Joquita Robbins and united in Holy Matrimony with her on March 8, 1950.

A devoted family man, Mr. Simmons proved for his family through his employment for over 10 years at R. C. Bottling Company in Muskogee. In 1990, he retired from Ford Glass Plant in Broken Arrow after 18 years of service.

He loved spending time with his family, especially with his grandchildren. He led by example, working and providing for them so that they would have a better life than he did.

After a full life of beautiful times, fellowship and family occasions, Mr. Fedro James Simmons, in his 82nd season, moved from labor to refreshment on Tuesday, April 1, 2008 from Muskogee, Oklahoma. He was preceded in death by his parents, 2 sisters, 2 brothers and his mother-in-law.

He leaves in God's care with special memories to cherish; his loving and devoted wife of 58 years, Joquita; 3 daughters, Sharon Hays, Gary, IN, Thelma Simmons and Vanessa Witherspoon, Muskogee, OK; a son, Gerald Witherspoon, Muskogee; 5 grandchildren; 2 great-grandchildren; and a caravan of other loving relatives that will enjoy the pleasant memories of times shared with Mr. Simmons.

The Farewell Tribute will be on Monday, April 7, 2008 at 11:00 A.M. in the Beebe Memorial CME Church. Rev. Rodney M. Gaines, Pastor, Officiating, and Rev. Fedro Givens, Eulogist. Burial will follow at 1:00 P.M. in the National Cemetery at Ft. Gibson, OK.

You may visit Mr. Simmons, as he slumbers at the Keith D. Biglow Funeral Directors, Inc., on Sunday from 2 PM to 4 PM.