Louis Berman Simmons

He received his early education at G.W Carver in Henry County and graduated from United Bible College and attended the Patrick Henry Community College. In 1994 he received an Honorary Doctorate of Divinity from United Christian College. He was appointed to the Board of Presbytery of the Southern District Convocation; Pastor Simmons held the office of District Elder of the Southern Western District Union and in 1998 Pastor Simmons was appointed to serve on the Board of Elders.

He is survived by his devoted wife of 69 years, Olivia Hairston Simmons. In addition to his wife, he leaves to cherish his memory, six children, Louis E. Simmons (Vanessa); Sheila D. Simmons; Phyllis Diggs (Byron); Angela Dones (Ricky); Andre’ P. Simmons (Muriel); and Tameaka Simmons; 12 grandchildren; Jermaine Simmons, Sloane Mosley, Brianna Burnette, Darrius Simmons, Tiffany L. Gattis, Tyler J. Gattis, Roderick Dones, Latoria Dones, Andre Beal, Joshua Beal, Aumeisha Price, and Tilitda Perry; 12 great-grandchildren, and one great-great-grandchild. Pastor Simmons is also survived by three of his siblings; Minister Savannah Hairston, Minister Henrietta Terri Dobson, and Reverend Barbara A. Watkins.

In addition to his parents, he was preceded in death by 6 of his siblings, Clara M. Hairston, Louise Ford, Herman Simmons, Christine France, Mattie L. Tarpley, and Everleen Johnson.

Public viewing will convene on Friday, November 1, 2024 from 4:00 pm-7:00 pm at Collins-McKee Stone Funeral Home, 30 Riverside Highway, Bassett, VA 24055.

A celebration of Life Service will be held on Saturday, November 2, 2024. The family will receive friends at 11:00 am followed by the funeral service at 11:30 am. The service will be held at Refuge Temple Holiness Church, 205 Clearview Drive, Martinsville, VA followed by the Interment at Carver Memorial Gardens, 2256 Carver Rd, Martinsville, VA.

Online condolences may be made at collinsmckeestonebassett.com

Collins Funeral Home is respectfully serving the Simmons family.