Alfreda Simmons

CHARLESTON, Mo. -- Alfreda Simmons, 85, of Charleston died Sunday, Dec. 2, 2007, in Sikeston, Mo., at the home of a daughter.

She was born Oct. 8, 1922, in Light, Ark., daughter of Charlie and Ada Gibbons Smith.

She married Thomas E. "Red" Simmons June 13, 1944. He died Aug. 3, 1984.

She had lived in Mississippi County most of her life and was a member of New Bethel Baptist Church. She was a cook for the Mississippi County Jail for many years and was a self-employed seamstress.

Survivors include a son, Charles "Chuck" Simmons of Charleston; three daughters, Sandra Hess of Jackson, Diane Simmons of Sikeston and Bobbie Freeman of Bertrand, Mo.; 10 grandchildren; and six great-grandchildren.

She was preceded in death by a son, two sisters and a brother.

Friends may call from 5 to 8 p.m. today at McMikle Funeral Home in Charleston.

The funeral will be at 11 a.m. Wednesday at the funeral home, with the Rev. Tom Wimberley officiating.

Burial will be at Oak Grove Cemetery.