Marilyn L. Simmons

For God so loved the world that he gave his only begotten son, that whosoever believeth in him shall not perish, but have eternal life.  (John 3:16)     

God has always chosen ordinary people to accomplish His mission and share His love. Marilyn Lucille Simmons was chosen by God. She was born into this world with a divine purpose on September 11th,1956 in Myrtle Beach, South Carolina to the late Andrew Simmons, Sr. And the late National Mother Lucille Wright - Simmons. She was the youngest daughter of eight children.  

Elder, Marilyn L. Simmons received her early education in the Fairfield County School System where she was always a “colorful” personality and loved to read, write, and perform. She thrived in the Bridgeport School District earning many awards and certificates, graduating with honors from Central High School. A natural beauty, and encouraged by her sister, she went on to attend and graduate from Barbizon School of Modeling and Acting. Her unique look and versatility exposed her to many modeling opportunities and eventually led to her participation in the Miss Connecticut Pageant. Having performed in many plays and shows, she was always an exuberant personality. Marilyn attended Sacred Heart University in Fairfield, CT where she trained to become a CNA. She relocated to Myrtle Beach, SC in 1979. Always known to love children, and encouraged by her sister, she attended college and earned an Early Childhood Teaching Degree from Horry Georgetown Technical College, graduating Magna Cum Laude at the top of her class. Her first employment opportunity as an educator was at the True Light Learning Center, and subsequently the Racepath Learning Center, where she “creatively” enriched the minds of a new generation of students in the Myrtle Beach Community, that were taught to think outside the box and appreciate their uniqueness until her demise.  

   Marilyn Lucille Simmons had been taught to love the Lord and love people. Her love was made whole when her one and only daughter lightened her life. Sharisma Simmons-D'Amico will always remember her mom as one of the most beautiful women she has ever seen, a black barbie doll, with the most colorful personality. The family is wearing the colors of the rainbow to showcase the beauty of her spirit that was shown to all people; she never turned away from anyone and was always willing to make sure the poorest among us were shown respect, compassion, and consideration. Marilyn epitomized “Love each other as I as I have loved you”, and her favorite book of the bible was The Gospel of John.  

Always a bubbly and radiant child, she came to Christ at a young age. While in attendance at St. John Fire-Baptized Holiness Church of God of the Americas in Bridgeport, CT, under the leadership of Pastor Woodrow Brown she happily pursued the things of God. She sang lead in the choir, ushered during all services, led devotional service regularly and participated faithfully with the HYPU and Youth Congress. Naturally inclined to performance, she worked alongside her sister and was always cast as the lead in plays. She would often share how she was always cast as the devil or antagonist in every play, until the last play where she was chosen as the bride. 

 The road from CT to Myrtle Beach was a rocky one, and Marilyn experienced her share of trials and tribulations; but God had use for her in the kingdom and reclaimed her soul in 1998, while she was attending a service at True Light Sounds of Praise Pentecostal Fellowship Ministries at the request of her sister. Under the leadership of Bishop Alfred E. Williams, she was called back to ministry. She served as the head nurse to the Bishop, President of the Outreach Ministry, Usher Board, Pastoral Aid, and the Singles Ministry. 

 While humbly serving at True Light Ministries God elevated her, and she delivered her trial sermon on May 1, 2004, at 5:00 P.M. (The Cleansing Blood). The newfound subjection to God's word continued to elevate her and she was soon ordained as a minister and then an elder. In 2010, Bishop David L. Baxter. was appointed Pastor of Greater True Light Ministries and Elder Marilyn Simmons continued to serve as his nurse and many other roles unselfishly.  

In 2011 Elder Simmons relocated back to Connecticut for a time. She became a member of Resurrection Life Ministries SOP under the leadership of her niece Dr. Jasmine L. Spencer. She became active in the ministry and served as Chairman of the Hospitality Department, Outreach and Shepherd Care Department member. Elder Simmons enjoyed outreach and through her testimony ministered to the physical and spiritual needs of many. She understood first-hand the redeeming Love of God and shared it whenever she got the opportunity. Elder Simmons remained a faithful supporter of the ministry until her transition. After a time of serving in CT, Elder Marilyn Simmons made her return to Myrtle Beach, SC.  
where she continued to faithfully serve until her demise. She made her glorious transition peacefully with her daughter and sister holding her hands, on May 5th, 2021 at Grand Strand Regional Medical Center in Myrtle Beach, SC.       

Elder Marilyn L. Simmons was preceded in death by her parents, Andrew Simmons, Sr. and National Mother Lucille Wright-Simmons; one sister, Pastor Barbara Ann Bellamy and three brothers; Wilbur Lee Bland, John Earl Simmons, and Christopher Wright. She leaves to cherish vibrant memories: her doting and devoted only daughter, Sharisma(Paul) Simmons-D'Amico of Bridgeport, CT:  Three special children, Deontae Simmons, Kiara Simmons, and Cashton Elias Simmons as well as her three siblings; Bishop Andrew (Margaret) Simmons Jr. of Bridgeport CT, David (Judy) Simmons of Varnville, SC, Delores Simmons, of Myrtle Beach, SC. Her vivacious loving spirit will be remembered by a host of nieces, nephews, cousins, special friends, and her loving RLM and GTLM church family.     

Marilyn L. Simmons of Myrtle Beach passed away on Wednesday, May 5, 2021.  Funeral Services will be held at 12:00 Noon on Tuesday, May 18, 2021, at True Light Sounds of Praise Church in Myrtle Beach.  There will be a viewing from 4:00 PM to 7:00 PM on Monday, May 17, 2021, at Ocean View Funeral Home, Myrtle Beach Chapel.  Ocean View Funeral Home and Cremation Services of Myrtle Beach is assisting the Simmons Family.

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