Simmons Donald,  son of Robert and Emma Donald (both preceded him in death) was born April 1, 1929, in Heidelberg, Mississippi, he was the middle of seven siblings.

Simmons attended Jim Hill Elementary School and Linear High School in Jackson, MS.

On February 21, 1948, Simmons married his high school sweetheart, Vernell Clay and to this union three children were born. His strong will to give his family the best life available led to him moving to Maywood, IL in 1951.  Shortly after moving to Maywood, Simmons became a fixture in the community establishing "Donald's Janitorial Services" where he spent over 50 years training, developing, and exposing many to entrepreneurship prior to retiring.

Simmons, at an early age accepted Christ and maintained an ongoing personal relationship with God. After relocating to Maywood, IL, he continued to show his faith as a dedicated member at Grant Memorial and Cannan A.M.E. Church.

Simmons was a strong proponent for family, and loved spending time with his children, grandchildren, great grandchildren, and great-great grandchildren. He also loved to golf and bowl and enjoyed cheering on his favorite Chicago teams.

Simmons was a boisterous person who brought joy and laughter to all who knew him. As a result of his generous spirit and pleasant personality, he was loved by many. His beautiful legacy and spirit will forever live on in all he touched.

Simmons quietly departed this life on Tuesday, January 4, 2022, and will forever live on as he begins his everlasting life with the LORD. He was preceded in death by his sister Bernice "Stein", brothers Robert Lee (Irene), David (Odie), Willie, his children Vivian and Ralph (Deanna), grandson Jermaine and great grandson Pierce.

Simmons leaves to cherish his memories: wife Vernell Donald, daughter Sandra "Sam" Donald; brothers Clifton Donald and Vole Ed Donald; grandchildren Sharniece Hathaway, Montsha Ifee Aviles, Denise Hathaway-Belviy; Valynn Johnson (Kevin), Mechelle Donald, Jarmal Hathaway, MeShaundra (Rashun) Taylor;  great-grandchildren Aarian Hathaway (Leslie), Ryan Hathaway, Morgan Donald, Autumn Belviy, Jayden Belviy, Marshon Donald, Noah Aviles, and Brookyln Marshall; great great-grandchildren Devian Hathaway and Liam Hathaway and a host of aunts, uncles, nieces, nephews, cousins, other relatives and friends.

Service Saturday, January 15, 2022 from 11:00am to 12:00pm at Hursen Funeral Home & Crematory, SW corner of Roosevelt & Mannheim Roads, Hillside, IL 60162. Interment Woodlawn Cemetery. Service will Live streamed through ZOOM> Meeting ID: 720 3279 9769  Passcode: zsB1AK