Mother Alberta C. Simmons

Mother Alberta C. Simmons, who was affectionately known as “Bert” to many, was born on March 4, 1926, to the late Mr. Wille and Mrs. Sylvia Brown Childs of Columbia, South Carolina. Mother Simmons finished her course and transitioned into eternal rest on Tuesday, December 10, 2019.

Mother Simmons was educated in the Richland County Public School system. She was employed with Oxford Manufactory for many years in the late 1960s. After leaving Oxford, she became a caregiver for Deacon Andrew “Malcolm” Jackson (father of the late Bishop A. C Jackson). She later became an employee of the Bible Way Daycare Center, where she maintained employment for several years prior to retirement.

Mother Simmons began her spiritual journey many years ago as a youth at Brown Chapel A.M.E. Church in Arthurtown, Columbia, SC. While attending Brown Chapel, she sang with the Glee Club under the direction of Professor John Wesley Hunter. She also participated in several stage plays, often in the leading role. After serving at Brown Chapel, she became a member of a Pentecostal church founded by her mother-in-law, Mother Elizabeth Simmons. She, along with Mother Elizabeth Simmons and members of the Pentecostal church, later decided to worship with the Bible Way Church of Hampton Street, until they could secure a church in their home community of Arthurtown. After securing a rental building on Bluff Road, she and 12 others were Charter members of the Bible Way Church of Arthurtown, which was known as the Little Red Church. The church later moved to Atlas Road, where she remained a very faithful member under the leadership of Bishop A. C. Jackson and now, Pastor Darrell Jackson.

Mother Simmons served in several capacities during her tenure as a member of Bible Way Church. She was the church’s first drummer, served on the Usher Board and in the Missionary Department for many years. She was a beloved Church Mother. She was a member of the Senior Citizens’ Ministry, where her daughter Sylvia “Lois” Jackson served as the first director. She was a soft-spoken and meek woman who loved God, church, and family. Mother Simmons was always encouraging others to pray and seek the face of God. She loved the song “He Keeps on Doing Great Things for Me,” and when unable to sing it herself, she was seeking others who would sing it for her. She was indeed a true example of “only what you do for Christ will last.”

Mother Simmons was preceded in death by her husband, Willie Simmons, daughter, Sylvia Jackson and two sons, Willie “WJ” Simmons and Gregory C. Simmons.

Cherishing her precious memories are her three sons, Albert (Gloria) Simmons, Ronnie Simmons and Stephon Simmons of Columbia, SC; two daughters, Edith Brown and Celia (Lonnie) Nesbitt of Columbia, SC; daughter-in-law, Karen L. Simmons of Columbia, SC; son-in-law, James Jackson of Hopkins, SC; 19 grandchildren, 42 great-grandchildren, and 9 great-great-grandchildren. A host of loving relatives, friends, church family and a special cousin, Mother Jannie R. Jackson.

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