Doris Ann Thomas Simmons

Doris Ann Thomas Simmons, age 80, journeyed from this life into eternal rest with the Lord on Friday afternoon, March 18, 2022. Doris Simmons was born September 5, 1941, in Cleveland, Tennessee to the late A.L. and Minnie Thomas.

Doris was an avid reader and graduate of College Hill High School. Upon graduation, she moved to California to begin her professional career. Doris Ann Simmons was the proud mother of three children: the late Greta Delphine (Thomas) Brown, the late Dexter Eric Simmons and Derek Quincy Simmons. She was delighted to gain three stepsons - Kurt Tyrone Simmons, Jerry Simmons and Barry Simmons - and three stepdaughters - Anana Erma Simmons, Barbara “Bobbie” Jean Simmons and Mildred Simmons - through her marriage to the late Curtis Simmons of Oakland, California. Doris loved her children with an open heart, selflessly investing in their comfort and encouraging their success.

Doris Ann Simmons was a pioneer in the auto industry. Her extensive career with the General Motors Corporation began in Fremont, CA where she worked in general assembly. Doris worked hard, trained and excelled in every area of professional development. As a result, she was transferred to Oklahoma City and became a General Supervisor, overseeing the production of chassis for GM’s luxury line of SUVs. Upon relocating to Oklahoma City, Doris also joined Tabitha Baptist Church where the Rev. J.L. Mitchell is the pastor.

She was, indeed, a woman ahead of her time. Doris passionately shared her thoughts with others. She was unafraid to declare her opinions without respect to their popularity and always exuded authenticity. She was wholly, and unapologetically, exactly who she wanted to be. Doris never met a stranger, and her generosity knew no bounds. She welcomed dozens of people into her home to help them simply get on their feet or find a place to call home for a little while. To her family, Doris Ann Simmons was a firm and steady rock in a volatile and uncertain world. We are better because we knew her and she loved us.

She gave each of us a gift that could only be given by someone as audacious as Doris.

Preceded in death by her parents, Elder A.L. Thomas and Minnie F. Thomas; husband, Curtis Simmons; daughter, Greta D. (Thomas) Brown; son, Dexter E. Simmons; two brothers: Felix and Abraham Thomas, Jr.; two sisters: Mamie D. Perkins and Marie Phillips; son-in-law: Raymond Brown; brothers-in-law: Leon Shelby, Alvin Phillips, Eddie Dancy, and James Bailey.

Left to cherish her memory are her son, Derek Simmons; granddaughters: Tyra (Austin) Harris, Alecia Simmons, and Katrice Simpson; grandsons: Dexter Simmons, Jr., Derek Simmons, Jr., Derrion Garcia, and Sir Richard Simpson; great-granddaughters: Brooklyn Simmons, Asha Harris, Tia Harris, Aaniyah Macfarlane; great-grandsons: Eryk Garrett, Aundre Soto, Tino Soto, Dominic Soto; sisters: Annie Dancy of Chattanooga, Betty Shelby, Carolyn Young, Rev. Mattie (Thomas) Benton and Cora Bailey all of Cleveland, TN; a brother: Robert (Bridget) Thomas; three stepsons: Kurt Tyrone (Carrie) Simmons, Jerry (Joan) Simmons and Barry Simmons; three stepdaughters: Anana Erma Simmons, Barbara “Bobbie” Jean Simmons, and Mildred Simmons; Sister Friends: Mother Louella Hunter, Elda Young, Judy Turner, Monet Martin, and Gloria Arguello; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.

Saturday, April 2, 2022, a graveside service at 12:00 p.m. at Fort Hill Cemetery.  Reverend J. L. Mitchell is the eulogist.  Professional arrangements entrusted to Brian L. Buckmon, LFD and JoAnn Williams, LFD 1-800-824-8283 or www.pattonfuneralhome1962.com  and Rolfe Funeral Home, Oklahoma City, OK. 

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