Phyllis L. "Phil" Simms

SIMMS, Ms. Phyllis L. "Phil" - Age 58, passed away Tuesday, April 19, 2016 at McLaren Oakland Hospital. Family hour 10:30 AM Saturday April 30, 2016 from the Chapel of Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home, 268 N. Perry St., with funeral service commencing immediately at 11AM. Rev. Nathan Waters. Officiating. Interment Perry Mount Park Cemetery, 878 N. Perry St. Friends and pallbearers will assemble at the funeral home 10:30AM Saturday. Mrs. Simms will lie in state in the Chapel of the Lawrence E. Moon Funeral Home, and may be viewed from Noon - 8:00 PM Friday. Mrs. Phyllis L. Simms was born July 18, 1957 in Selmer, Tennessee, the daughter of Archie B. Brown and Martha V. Wynn. Phyllis moved to Michigan in 1965, she later graduated from Pontiac Central High School in 1975. Family was always a vital aspect of Phyllis character. Every summer Phyllis would go visit her favorite Aunt, “Aunt Naomi” in Chicago or Tennessee. Developing and creating a bond that will last and shine forever. Another important person was her cousin, “Lammie” who already awaits her arrival to Heaven’s Gates. Although they were cousins, they were truly brothers and sisters and both are missed by many. In 1982, Phyllis met the love of her life Anthony “Tony” “Paw Paw” Wright their instant chemistry led to a life time of love, happiness and an array of special memories that can never be replaced. Tony loved Phyllis and was by her side from day one until her passing. In 1996 Phyllis lost her mother, Martha “Brown Lady”, but by God’s grace, one day after her mother’s burial, her first grandchild was born, Mar’Rion. Mar’Rion was Phyllis’s heart and she was very much esteemed to be called “Granny.” A name not only for her grandchildren, but even being called “Granny” by her four beautiful children. Phyllis had several hobbies: she collected wind chimes, reading, and absolutely loved running her mouth on the phone with her friends. Special friends like Ms. Angie Long, Ms. Ebony Wright, her sister-in-law, Beechie, her sister Carol, cousin, Sylvia and mostly her only daughter, Mrs. Ebony L. Simms-Peoples. Her favorite hobby of all was going to the casino. Her daily hope was to “hit big” and be able to do something special for her children and grandchildren. All of her grandchildren meant the world to her. Amari, Asi’ Ana, Anaya and De’Onnie loved their Granny deeply and they shared a bond that they can all cherish for the rest of their lives. It also meant the world to Phyllis when her son, Donnie had his first child, “Keira.” Although Phyllis was not a member of a church, she carried the love of Christ in her heart and treated everyone with kindness and respect. Phyllis will be greatly missed, but her spirit and legacy will live on through each and every one that she touched with her presence. Heaven just gained an Angel! Mrs. Simms leaves to cherish her memory: husband, Anthony Wright; children, Daquetta Baylor-Boothe, Derek L. Brown, Ebony L. (Deon) Simms-Peoples, William D. Simms and Ahmad Vittorrio Simms; stepchildren, Shonda (Jerry) Birdo, George Rogers, Tomeka Wright, ReKiaya Simms and Danisha Emery; grandchildren, Mar’Rion M. Simms, Asi’Ana S. Simms, Amari L. Lewis, Anaya S. Simms, De’Onnie Peoples and Keira B. Johnson; sister, Carol F. Brown all of Pontiac, MI; brothers, William Amos of Selmer, TN and Archie N. Brown of Pontiac, MI; niece, Jameka Brown; nephews, Dominique Brown and DaQuan Brown all of Pontiac, MI; aunts, Helen Jarmon of Tampa, FL and Naomi Watts; uncle, Joe Surratt both of Chicago, IL; sisters-in-law, Yvonne Amos, Carolyn McGinnis, Shirley Chappell-Mingo of Pontiac, MI; brother-in-law, Glovell Grandberry of Pontiac, MI; and a host of other relatives and friends including special friends, Angie Long and Ebony Wright. Mrs. Simms was preceded in death by her parents, Archie and Martha V. Brown; uncle, Van Watts, Sr.; cousin, Van “Lammie” Watts Jr.; Euther Gene Johnson. The family would like to express special thanks to Angela Long and everyone who visited her in the hospital.

Phyllis L. "Phil" Simms

July 18, 1957 - April 19, 2016