In sweet peace, Willie Mae Blackwell Simmons gave up time for Eternity on Monday, August 4, 2025 while a patient at Kate B. Reynolds Hospice Home, Winston-Salem, North Carolina. She was surrounded by her loving family, and it is with love and humility that we give thanks to Our Lord and Savior for His grace and mercy.


Born August 26, 1949 in Davie County, North Carolina, Willie Mae was the daughter of the late Jake and Margaret Neely Blackwell. She attended the Davie County public schools and graduated in the Class of 1967 from the Central Davie High School, Mocksville, North Carolina, making history as the last African American class. She furthered her education at Winston-Salem Business College, Winston-Salem, North Carolina, receiving her associate's degree in business administration. Willie Mae was a faithful member of Rock Hill Church of Christ in Cleveland, North Carolina where enjoyed the fellowship of the parishioners and serving as the church secretary until her health began to decline.

In her leisure time, she enjoyed spending time with her grandchildren, watching game show programs on television, traveling and bowling.

She was preceded in death by her parents; her husband of fifty years, Donald T. Simmons and a sister, Christine Blackwell.


Willie Mae will be fondly remembered and revered by those who survive. Cherished survivors are: son, Donavan (Lenida) Simmons of Greensboro, North Carolina; five grandchildren: Danealia Simmons, D'Allen Simmons, Tahlyric Johnson, Ashley Johnson, and Tae Johnson; seven great-grandchildren; three sisters: Sammie Clement, Stella Blackwell and Alice Green, all of Advance, North Carolina; a brother, Kenny (Nedra) Blackwell of Arkansas; ; four aunts: Norma Blackwell of Winston-Salem, NC, Linda Blackwell of Mocksville, North Carolina, Betty Blackwell and Della Clement, both of Advance, North Carolina; two uncles, Wilbur Blackwell of Advance, North Carolina and David (Libby) Blackwell of Cleveland, North Carolina; two sisters-in-law, Phyllis (Phillip) Hogue and Laura (Velvie) Gray, both of Cleveland, North Carolina; a brother-in-law, Allen (Ann) Simmons of Statesville, North Carolina; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.