Donell Simms

Funeral services were held May 27, 2022, at Rose Hill Baptist Church, Silver Creek, for Donell Simms, 74, who died May 21 at University of Mississippi Medical Center, Jackson. Rev. Leander Bridges officiated, with interment following in the church cemetery. Johnson Funeral Home was in charge of arrangements.
Mr. Simms was born to the late Octavia and Daniel Simms. He was educated in Lawrence County and graduated from McCullough High School in 1967. He joined the military after graduating and served in the Vietnam War and received a Vietnam Service Medal with two bronze stars, Vietnam Campaign Medal with 1960 Device, Combat Infantryman Badge, and an Army Commendation Medal. After serving in the military, he made a career of driving for Bill’s Dollar Store.
Mr. Simms was a member of Rose Hill Baptist Church, where he served as trustee until his health failed.
He was preceded in death by his biological father, Elvia Lee Bridges; daughter, Doris Denise; and siblings, Carolyn, Chester, Roger, and Wayne.
Mr. Simms is survived by: children, James (Lashanda) Funchess, of McComb; Charlotte (Bernard) Lee, of Sumrall; Sharon (Michael) Weathersby, of Ridgeland; Stephanie Sims, of Plano, Texas; Donell Simms and Donovan Simms, both of Silver Creek; siblings, Lionel Simms, of Las Vegas, Nev.; Gwen (Donnie) Daniels, of Silver Creek; Melvin (Sophia) Sims, of West Memphis, Ark.; Keith (Virgie) Bridges, of Baton Rouge, La.; Ricky (Lula) Bridges, of Notasulga, Ala.; Belinda (Isaac) Magee, of Prentiss; and Jeanette Jackson, of Hattiesburg; 12 grandchildren; two great-grandchildren; and many other relatives and friends.