Alfreda Simms
May 6, 1926 ~ May 19, 2023
A true Southerner, Alfreda Wright Simms believed in the power of a good meal. She baked and was especially known for her Sweet Potato Pie. In fact, her pies would be purchased at bake sales before they left the kitchen.
Alfreda was born in Sanford, Florida to George and Elmira Foye Wright. She grew up attending Allen Chapel African Methodist Episcopal (A.M.E.) Church just one block down the street; at one point, she played the piano for the church choir. She graduated from Crooms Academy, after which she attended Florida Agricultural and Mechanical University (FAMU) in Tallahassee. Unlike today’s world, where going to college is a family affair, in those days her parents took her to the train station and sent her off with a steamer trunk. She majored in music.
Her marriage to Sgt. Fred Francis Simms, Jr would take her to live in Tucson, Ariz. and Oakland, Calif before leading her to Jefferson City, Missouri, where Sgt. Simms was an instructor in Lincoln University’s R.O.T.C. program. Remaining in Jefferson City while her husband served a tour overseas, she worked at Lincoln University. They chose to stay when he retired from the military and took a civilian job at L.U. Once again, food came into play and many students through the years came to dinner, had a to-go plate brought to campus or sometimes got a bag of groceries. After she retired, she became a big fan of the Food Network, and Emeril Lagasse, the Barefoot Contessa and Tyler Florence became favorites. Her cookbook collection outgrew a four-shelf bookcase. Her other television favorite was QVC.
In Jefferson City, she and her husband joined Quinn Chapel A.M.E. Church, where she sang in the Chancel Choir and again played the piano from time to time.
She cycled through a variety of crafts – sewing, crochet, knitting, making dolls and jewelry. And at 89, she took her first transatlantic flight and visited seven European countries.
Being a mother was the overriding joy of her life, and she was a mother to not only her daughter, Lori of Jefferson City, but to so many others.
Alfreda departed this life on Friday, May 19, 2023 with family by her side.
She was preceded in death by her parents, her husband Fred Jr., one son Fred F. Simms III, one daughter, Loretta Frances, who both died in infancy and four sisters.
Visitation will be Saturday, May 27, 2023 from 10:00 a.m. until 11:00 a.m. at Quinn Chapel A.M.E. Church, 415 Lafayette St., Jefferson City. Funeral services will be begin at 11:00 a.m. with Reverend Anthony McPherson officiating. Burial will be in Hawthorne Memorial Gardens. The service will be livestreamed for those who wish to watch at home. The link can be found on Alfreda’s obituary page at trimblefunerals.com.
In lieu of flowers, memorials may be directed to Ramsey Garden at Quinn Chapel.
Trimble Funeral Homes-Jefferson City is assisting the family with arrangements. trimblefunerals.com
https://online.brushfire.com/dts/trimblefuneralhome/nx4qw4rf6m
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Mrs Simms was a sweet woman who care about her church and its members. We will truly be missed. She knows as the Golden Girls with two other senior saints. I have so much respect for her. She treated me well and always would talk to me. My being a member of Quinn Chapel I learned a lot from her.
Lori I am so sorry to stumble across your mother’s passing. My fondest memories of your mom were several items she had sewn and made for me in my early years!! I have always had much respect for your mother and I send my condolences to you and your family during this most difficult time. May God be with you! 🙏🏽🙏🏽
I’ve had the pleasure of knowing Ms Simms for about 20yrs as her beautician. Ms Simms was very insightful on one occasion I was up in the about going to the Dr. with my husband who by the way didn’t want to and she said what does your 1st mind say. I followed her advice and it made a huge difference in my and his life,had I not heeded her sound advice he would have come and that would have been it. I am truly grateful for the time I had with Ms Simms
Mrs Simms was a sweet woman who care about her church and its members. She will truly be missed. She knows as the Golden Girls with two other senior saints. I have so much respect for her. She treated me well and always would talk to me. By being a member of Quinn Chapel I learned a lot from her.
Rhonda, Suzan, & the OBP Team has purchased Tranquil White Lillies Basket for Alfreda Simms
To the family of Alfreda Simms:
Weeping may endure for a night but joy will come in the morning. I had the privilege of knowing miss Simms most of my life. We lived on the same street for of 20 years. She would always greet you with a smile and a hug. 42 years ago she made my wedding dress. It was beautiful I will never forget her telling me at my last fitting I better not gain any more weight or my dress was not going to fit. I loved talking with her because she had so much wisdom to pass on to the younger generation of ladies growing up. We talked about how to set a table to make things look good, and how to dress and speak like a lady. I was devastated when I received this news my heart is broken. Lori you already know how much I loved your mother but thank you for sharing your mother with all of us. She is resting in the arms of Jesus. Well done thy good and faithful servant, come on up a little higher and receive your crown of glory. She is now in her palace where the streets are paved in gold there is no more pain or sorrow. I believe her husband was waiting to welcome he in. Well done Mrs. Simms you have left so many of us with lots of good memories that we will cherish forever. She was loved by someone and meant something to someone: Your love and the life that she lived will never be forgotten. She will always have a special place in our hearts. Lori I won’t be able to be at the services but my heart is with you. I will see you soon.
Rev. Leana P. Mahaney
Many fond memories of Mrs Simms, forever encouraging always a genuine smile.
I’m gonna miss you Auntie! 🙏🏽❤️😢