Terry Simmons

Terry was first an artist. She artistically loved, gave, and found beauty in people, causes, animals, and faith. In spite of debilitating rheumatoid arthritis, Terry used her time and talents to teach and bring art to life. Whether as a docent for the Birmingham Museum of Art or finishing her final art show of Stations of the Cross for Graceworks House at Grace Episcopal Church, her life and art showcased all she held dear.

Terry received a BA in Applied Art from Auburn University, an MA in Painting from the University of Alabama and a MA in Art History from Tulane University. She began her career at Walker College where she was instrumental in establishing the art department. For over 25 years, Terry distinguished herself as an assistant professor of Art at Delta State University in Cleveland, MS, where she taught Drawing, Art History and Art Appreciation. Additionally, she curated the Delta State University permanent collection of over 500 works and was responsible for securing and hanging all art shows during her tenure there. From 1991-2005, she was named to the Mississippi Institute of Arts and Letters and served as co-President in 1994. While in Cleveland, she was an active member of Calgary Episcopal Church.

Terry took great delight in her family and even chronicled her family history in film. Terry was born to the late Albert Russell Simmons and Marthalene Haston Simmons on March 16, 1938 in Jasper, AL. She is also predeceased by her brother Thomas Russell Simmons II of Jasper. She is survived by brother Albert Haston Simmons (Betsy) of Birmingham, sister-in-law, Carla Hulsey Simmons of Jasper, her nieces and nephew Katherine Simmons Berdy (Chris), Mary Simmons Evans, Albert Haston Simmons, Jr. (Scarlett) all of Birmingham, Lee Douglass Simmons Christoferson (James) of Washington DC, Margarette Elizabeth Simmons of Los Angeles, her great nieces and nephews Simms Berdy, Margarette Berdy, Mary Douglass Evans, Carl Evans, Sawyer Simmons and Haston Simmons III.

The family sends heartfelt thanks to her devoted caregivers Jennifer Jones, Kathy Sanders, Aterra Lee, Elizabeth Johnson, and Della Johnson.

A memorial service will be held at a later date when friends and family can safely gather to celebrate Terry’s life.

In lieu of flowers, memorials may be sent to Grace Episcopal Church, Woodlawn, Greater Birmingham Humane Society, Walker Area Community Foundation, Walker College Foundation, or the Arthritis Foundation.