Sarah Yvette Simmons

Sarah Yvette Simmons, nee White, 67, of Gulfport, Mississippi, passed away May 31, 2025, at her home in Gulfport, MS. surrounded by her loving family. She was born February 5, 1958 in Enterprise, Alabama, the third of five children born to Isaac Jesse "I.J." and Shirley Virginia (Maddox) White. She grew up in the Woodland Grove community in New Brockton, AL, on a small family farm. The family attended Woodland Grove Baptist Church where Sarah accepted Christ as her Savior.  Sarah held fast to her faith throughout her life.  She loved being involved and serving in the church.  She had a particular passion for teaching in children’s and youth ministries, vacation bible schools, and local and foreign missions.  Over the years Sarah served as church pianist, sang in the choir and helped with various productions.  While she enjoyed some of the contemporary Christian music, her love was for the old hymns she grew up playing and singing. Sarah attended school in Elba, Alabama, graduating from Elba High School in 1976.  Sarah later relocated to Mississippi where she joined the workforce with Mississippi Power Company and served in a variety of roles, culminating in the Marketing Department.  Sarah retired from the workforce early to devote herself to her family, home and church. Sarah met and married her husband, David Benjamin Simmons of Gulfport.  Together they welcomed one daughter, Emma Virginia Simmons, who was the light of her life.  Sarah was Emma’s greatest encourager and tireless in her efforts to provide meaningful opportunities and experiences for Emma as she was growing up.  She was so very proud of Emma’s accomplishments and was anticipating celebrating her graduation from Physical Therapy School in 2026.  Sarah was a woman of many talents; gardening, decorating, cooking and teaching among them.  The seeds for her many talents were planted on the family farm in Alabama.  She perfected these talents throughout the years. Later in life, after retirement, she attended and graduated from William Carey University, Gulf Coast branch.  Sarah was an avid reader; her favorite book was the Bible.  She loved to scuba dive, especially in the waters around Grand Cayman.  She introduced both David and Emma to the activity. Sarah was preceded in death by her parents, I.J. and Shirley (Maddox) White; a brother-in-law, Dr. Bancroft Cooper; her sister, Deborah Lynn (White) Harrell, and her infant nephew, Isaac Kaleb White. Left to cherish her memories are her loving husband of twenty-nine years, David Benjamin Simmons; her daughter Emma Virginia Simmons of Gulfport, MS; her sister, Mary Virginia (White) Cooper of Enterprise, Alabama: and two brothers: Dean (Teresa) White of Bella Vista, AR and Jeff (Donna) White of Enterprise, Alabama; her brother-inlaw Rick Harrell of Gautier, MS; her dear beloved Aunt Vera Kate Maddox Crozier of Illinois; a sister-like cousin Sandra Furr of Pell City, Alabama; and many cousins, nieces, nephews, great nieces and great nephews. Sarah was a member of the FGB Maddox family and loved attending the annual reunions in June. Sarah fought a courageous battle with Multiple System Atrophy for 18 months prior to her passing.  While she is profoundly missed in this life, we rejoice in knowing that she has received the ultimate healing and is now at home with her Savior. Anyone wishing to remember Sarah is asked to consider a donation to a charity of their choice or to Handsboro Baptist Church, 1421 E Pass Rd, Gulfport, MS 39507-3522. Sarah’s family sincerely thanks you for all your prayers and acts of kindness.