Mother Elizabeth Simmons

IN LOVING MEMORY OF ELIZABETH "LIZ" RANDLE SIMMONS

Elizabeth "Liz" Randle Simmons, a devoted wife, mother, grandmother, great-grandmother, sister, educator, and woman of faith, passed peacefully from this life on June 9, 2026, in Benton Harbor, Michigan, at the age of 77.

Born on October 30, 1948, in Marion, Indiana, Elizabeth was one of fourteen children born to the late Claiborne and Minnie Randle. From an early age, she demonstrated a love for learning and the arts, playing the viola from fifth grade through high school. She graduated from Marion High School in 1967 and continued her education at Kentucky State University, where she earned a Bachelor of Science Degree in Elementary Education with honors in 1973. During her time at Kentucky State, she was an active member of Gamma Sigma Sigma National Service Sorority and the Education Club. She later earned her Master's Degree in Education from Western Michigan University and became Montessori Certified.

Elizabeth devoted more than thirty-five years of her life to the education and development of children within the Benton Harbor School System. Even after retiring in 2010, her passion for helping young people never wavered. She continued serving through the Grandparent Assist Education Program until 2024, impacting generations of students with her wisdom, patience, encouragement, and love.

For more than forty years, Elizabeth was a faithful and dedicated member of Pilgrim Rest Baptist Church. She committed her life to sharing God's Word and teaching His love. As leader of the Children's Sunday School Ministry and Youth Choir, she lovingly guided young minds in their spiritual growth, teaching not only biblical principles but also the values of faith, respect, compassion, and service. Her gentle spirit and steadfast commitment left a lasting impression on countless children and families.

Whether through a warm meal, a listening ear, a heartfelt prayer, or a word of encouragement, Elizabeth freely gave of herself and believed that helping others was one of the highest callings of Christian life. Her presence brought comfort during difficult times and joy during moments of celebration.

A woman of deep and abiding faith, Elizabeth lived the words of Joshua 24:15, "As for me and my house, we will serve the Lord." She also found strength and inspiration in Philippians 4:13, "I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me." These scriptures were reflected in the way she lived her life—with courage, grace, perseverance, and unwavering trust in God. She built her home on a foundation of love, prayer, and service to the Lord, welcoming all with an open heart.

Elizabeth shared forty loving years of marriage with her devoted husband, T. W. Simmons. Together they built a home filled with faith, compassion, and care for others.

She leaves to cherish her precious memory her husband, T. W. Simmons; her children, Adam Douglass (Mary), Malik (born Mark Douglass), and Andrew Douglass; her cherished adopted daughters, Carletta, Ciera, Nefeterra,  Adaopted Son Vidal, Whisper, Tercelia, and Kiawah; 39 grandchildren; 4 great-grandchildren; her siblings, Amos Randle (Shirley), Jean Jackson, Ruby Burgess, and Maxine Hardin (John); and a host of nieces, nephews, extended family members, church family, former students, and dear friends.

She was preceded in death by her parents, Claiborne and Minnie Randle; and her siblings Rosetta Mayberry, Mary Lou Bryant, Monroe Randle, Claiborne Randle, Robert Randle, Bill Randle, and Brenda Stepter.

Though she will be deeply missed, her legacy lives on in the many lives she touched. The children she nurtured and raised, the families she supported, the church she faithfully served, and the community she helped build all stand as a testament to a life well lived.

As we mourn her passing, we also rejoice in God's promise of eternal life and take comfort in knowing that she has heard the words, "Well done, good and faithful servant." Her race has been run, her work on earth is complete, and she now rests in the loving arms of her Savior.

"Well done,Thou good and faithful servant." — Matthew 25:23

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