Gloria Irby Simmons

Mrs. Gloria Delle Irby Simmons, age 83, passed away Wednesday, August 11, 2021 at Douglasville Rehab facility. Gloria was born on May 23, 1938 in Bogalusa, Louisiana. She was preceded in death by her husband, Buddy Lloyd Simmons; father Charles Irby, her mother Thelma Irby, and her brother Kenneth Irby. She is survived by her sister Shirley Artigue, her daughter Teri Delle Nixon Dempsey and her husband Kirk as well as her son Jeffrey Wynn Simmons and his wife Michele. She had 5 grandchildren: Eve Flowers (Philip Flowers), Sarah Blackwell (Arlin Blackwell), Jordan Kirk Nixon, Luke Simmons and Abi Simmons. She had 11 great-grandchildren; Kade Aucoin, Kendall Blackwell, David Flowers, Phelps Flowers, Everett Flowers, Micah Flowers, Lily Grace Simmons, Tyler Guy, Elliott Smith, Liam Andrews, and Lucy Andrews. Gloria graduated from Baton Rouge High School. She loved to sew and play the organ at church. Gloria stayed at home to raise her children, enjoyed shopping, and creating a beautiful home. She attended First Pentecostal Church in Baton Rouge, Louisiana, for over 50 years, and was an active member. She is best remembered for playing the organ; she started playing the organ at the young age of 13. For almost 10 years, Buddy and Gloria drove an hour one way to assist their daughter and Gary Nixon with music at Christian Life Center in Plattenville, Louisiana. For these 10 years, she was not known as Gloria, but was sweetly called "Nana" by the entire church family. She was welcoming to new church members and readily took them under her wing. Gloria was a member of the Atlanta West Pentecostal Church in Lithia Springs, Georgia for the past 21 years. She continued to welcome new visitors to the church, and loved attending Impact services in Jason and Bethany Jones' home for several years. "Nana" loved her family dearly—they were her world! Playing games was one of her favorite things to do during family gatherings. Nana lived life fully and will be missed by many. In accordance with Mrs. Simmons' wishes, she will be cremated. The family will receive friends at Atlanta West Pentecostal Church, 2960 Skyview Drive, Lithia Springs, Georgia 30122 Thursday, August 19, 2021 from 11:00 AM until 12:00 Noon. Memorial Services will be conducted Thursday, August 19, 2021 at 12:00 Noon with Pastor Darrell Johns officiating. Messages of condolence may be sent to the family at www.jones-wynn.com. Jones-Wynn Funeral Home & Crematory of Douglasville is in charge of the arrangements. 770-942-2311