Ilo Marie Simmons

Mrs. Ilo M. Simmons, an 85-year-old Christian mother, grandmother, and great grandmother, went home to be with the Lord Tuesday, April 25, 2023. She will be greatly missed by all who
love her. She was born in Fayette County and spent the first portion of her life in Bloomingburg, Ohio, where she graduated from Bloomingburg High School in 1955. Sister Simmons accepted
Jesus as her Lord at the age of 12 and went on to serve Him with her whole heart. She received her Christian heritage from her deacon and missionary parents as well as her pastor and strong Sunday School supporter Missionary grandparents. Sister Simmons leadership abilities became evident while serving as a Sunday School Superintendent in Bloomingburg. Ilo was one of the first black students to attend Springfield City Hospital School of Nursing earning her RN. Before moving to Columbus, Ohio in 1963 with her oldest child Dawn from her first marriage, she worked at Fayette County Memorial Hospital in Washington Court House, Ohio. Upon her arrival in Columbus, she was employed by the Ohio Department of Mental Health and spent 25 years at Central Ohio Adolescent Center. There she was promoted from Nursing Supervisor to Director of Nursing to Quality Assurance Coordinator. Columbus also blessed Mrs. Simmons with her husband of 48 years Charles C. Simmons, who predeceased her. To their union God gifted them two children: Charles Mylo and Toni Simmons. Her favorite cousin Valdienne Dennis took her to Refuge Missionary Baptist Church where she was a faithful member until her passing. At Refuge Sister Simmons participated in the Willing Workers and Inspirational choirs; served as Deaconess, Trustee, Mission Ministry President, Senior Mime Coordinator, and member of the Senior and Bereavement Ministries. Within the Christian Convention Circuit, she has held elected offices, committee chairmanships and/or member for Women’s Auxiliaries of EUMBA, OBGC, and Lott Carey Foreign Mission Convention. Because of her dedication and hard work, she was honored to be the 2002 Woman of the Year by EUMBA First District Women. Mrs. Simmons also served as President of the Unity Charity Club, a non-denominational group whose motto is “Helping Those in Need.” Sister Simmons is predeceased by her parents Deacon Harold and Missionary Leona Winfield, loving husband, brother Harold A, stepson Clifford Smith, son in love Timothy Richard and grandson Chad Smith.

She is survived by her devoted children: Toni, Charles Mylo (Cheryl), Dawn and stepdaughter Carole; her 11 grandchildren: Timothy L, Helen, Cliff (Olta), Justin (Ginger), Danielle, Jaquan, Tyler, Tavon, Savion, Tiona, Isaiah Michael; 13 great grandchildren: Cliff II, MJ, Christopher, Aaliyah, Aasiyah, Chad, Cameron, Shaniah, Safiyah, Jovan, Kaidan, Piper, Teagan, who all call
her Gran; her sister Ella Winfield; special friends Sandra, Francine and Anita and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends.

Home-going Celebration 10AM Saturday, May 6, 2023 at Refuge Missionary Baptist Church, 400 N 20th St., Columbus, Ohio, 43203.  Family will receive friends from 8AM until time of service.  Interment, Union Cemetery. 3349 Olentangy River Rd, Columbus, Ohio, 43214.  Arrangements entrusted to SMOOT FUNERAL SERVICES, 4019 E. Livingston Ave., Columbus, Ohio, 614-444-1463; Monique L Smoot and Marcia T Smoot, Funeral directors.

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