Adelaide Simmons was born on May 3, 1930 in Como, Mississippi to Arthur and Margaret Partee-Gross. She was the oldest of 5 siblings.
She married Melvin Avant Sr. To that union four children were born: Melvin (Wonnie) Avant, Jr. of Milwaukee, WI, Jimmie Avant of Grand Rapids, MI, Betty Couch of Grand Rapids, MI, and Margie Edmonds of Grand Rapids, MI. She later married Joseph L. Simmons and four children were born: Orlando J. (Tiffany) Avant of Grand Rapids, MI, Patricia (Orea, Jr.) Peterson of Detroit, MI, Joe L. (Blanche) Avant of Grand Rapids, and Ruth Ann Best of Grand Rapids, MI, Samuel Simmons, and Hattie Black.
Not only did raise all eight of her children, she raised them in the church. Adelaide was born into the Baptist church, but upon moving to Grand Rapids, she joined St. Luke A.M.E. Zion Church. Where she was an active and faithful member since 1954. Adelaide served on many boards at St. Luke: Deaconess, Missionary, Pastor Aid, Kitchen
Committee and Mississippi State Club. Her infectious smile could light up a room, and she was a church mother to many.
Her hobbies were gardening, having pet birds, cooking, baking and cleaning. She also loved to read the Bible and sing hymns. While. mother loved all kinds of music,
Gospel music was her favorite.
Mother was the best mentor, and she gave godly advice.
She loved her family with all of her heart and her children, grandchildren and great grandchildren knew how much she loved them. Her love was felt by anyone who came into contact with her. She loved all of God’s people.
She leaves her children to continue her legacy, four sisters Zanora Conard of St. Lois, MO, Margaret Black of Grand Rapids, MI, Earleane Gross of Grand Rapids, MI, Bertha Gross of Sardis, Mississippi, one brother Willie C. Gross of Milwaukee, WI, a host of grandchildren, great
grandchildren, nieces, nephews and cousins.
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