Bessie Mae Simms

Bessie Mae Smith-Simms, daughter to Annie E. Taylor Smith-Moore and Alonzo Lee Smith, Sr., began her earthly journey in Clarksville, Montgomery County, Tennessee on Sunday, December 2, 1951. She was the second oldest of four children. Her parents and brother, Alonzo Lee Smith, Jr., preceded her in death.

She accepted Christ as her personal Savior at a young age under the leadership of Dr. Wilbur N. Daniels at St. John Missionary Baptist Church where she attended for 63 years. While attending St. John, she served as Nursery Director, Vacation Bible School Director, Youth Choir, Sunday School Teacher, Usher, Hospitality Committee, Trustee Chairperson and many other committees. Later in life, Ms. Bessie attended New Jerusalem Five Fold Ministries where she served as Trustee, Hospitality Service, New Members Class Facilitator and spearheaded the church annual Christmas party with special honors to Pastor Katherine Minor Walker. She served her church through donations for youth programs year-round and made monetary donations to various charities and those in need.

 Ms. Bessie was educated at the Historic Bailey Cobb Elementary School and Burt High School graduating with the Class of 1969. She was very active while in school as she played basketball, softball, played a clarinet, was a majorette and twirled a baton with fire. She coached YMCA boys basketball. She was a vital worker for the Burt Reunion. She attended Austin Peay State University and graduated from the Clarksville Data Processing School. She enjoyed employment with the Department of Army Civil Service at Ft. Campbell, KY for 43 years before retiring on September 30, 2020 as a Quality Assurance Inspector with the Logistics Readiness Center.

 She was a valuable member of the masonic order serving as State Head for the Heroines of Jericho, Ladies of the Circle of Perfection, Guild H.O.T.C., Honorary Past Grand Worthy Matron for the Order of the Eastern Star and Sunbeams, Order of the Golden Circle, Honorary Past Imperial Commandress. Deputy for the Princess of the York Cross of Honor (PYCH), Life Member of the Phyllis Society. She organized a Clown Unit and served as Jester (Captain) in 2009. During Imperial Session in Atlanta, GA in 2009, she was the first female clown to walk in an Imperial Parade with the Shriners.

 Ms. Bessie served her community on a continuous basis by feeding the needy and the homeless, buying clothing and school supplies for children in need. She was a Silver Life member of the local NAACP where she assisted as needed. She assisted the political arena of Clarksville for the recognition of black citizens. She was a charter member of the St. John Historical Foundation founded by the late Rev. Dr. Jerry G. Jerkins. She was Co-chairperson of the Annie Moore Toy Drive, one of the largest toy drives in Clarksville and named in honor of her Mother. Let it be known Ms. Bessie was the only majorette in the city to twirl a Fire baton! At 72 years old, Ms. Bessie Simms was still on Fire! In her spare time she enjoyed baking, interior decorating, making beautiful floral arrangements and Amazon Shopping. 

 On Saturday, November 2, 2024, Bessie’s earthly journey ended peacefully with family by her side as she transitioned to her heavenly home.

 She leaves precious memories to be cherished and shared by her son, Donovan “Donnie” Haynes; sisters: Annie “Squeaky” McCoin and Martha Jean Smith; nephew, Martin (Hattie) McCoin; niece, Diedre (Ronnie) Orebo; grand-nieces: Ashanti Orebo, Roniqua (Damoni) Franklin; three great-grand nieces; one great-grandnephew, cousins and a host of relatives and friends.