Rachel Simmons Jones

On July 13, 1926, Rachel Loretta Simmons was born to the late Elder Aaron and Josephine Simmons in their family home in St. Petersburg, FL. She was the youngest of nine children and was a “mama’s girl” as she would say. By the age of 10, she had lost both of her parents. She was raised by her eldest siblings, Louis, Areatha and Ruth. Rachel attended Gibbs High School in St. Petersburg, FL. Her senior high school year book described her as a “jolly young lady” and her nickname was "Retta”. She graduated in 1945. She went on to matriculate at Tuskegee Institute (now Tuskegee University) and graduated in 1950 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Commercial Dietetics. She worked as an Assistant Dietitian at Andrew Memorial Hospital of Tuskegee, AL, at Riverside Hospital of Yonkers, NY and at Bayfront Medical Center of St. Petersburg, FL, where she was one of the first African-American dietitians that served in that role. She also pursued another degree at Florida A&M University, studying early elementary education. During this time she met her husband, Arthur Jones who was also a student at FAMU. Their first date was at Ma Mary’s Restaurant near the campus. The two Rattlers fell in love, married and from their union, Eric and Arthurene (Rene) Jones were born. Rachel and her family lived in Leesburg, FL and St. Petersburg, FL, and settled in the capital city of Tallahassee, FL where she remained for over 50 years prior to moving to Snellville, GA in the 2000s. Rachel used her knowledge and experience in commercial dietetics to ensure nutritional meals were served to thousands of students across the Leon County School System for several years. She retired from Gretchen Everhart School, where she found her passion instructing exceptional needs students. She took pride in her work and was frequently honored for her exemplary approach to helping students develop life skills such as personal care, meal planning and preparation. She received the Bill Thomas BEST Apple Award and was nominated for the Distinguished Educator of Minority Students Award in the early 90s. Rachel remained at Gretchen Everhart as an Instructional Assistant well over a decade. Rachel was a woman of great faith. She was spunky and had a keen sense of humor. She enjoyed laughing, storytelling, walking, talking on the phone and spending time with family and friends. She also enjoyed playing the lottery, going to the dog track with her friends, Althea and Sevia, and watching her favorite television shows. Rachel’s pride and joy was her family and anyone who knew her could attest. She was an excellent cook and was often asked to prepare special dishes for family and church events. She loved to gather, to host and experience the joy of others enjoying her food, especially her husband. Her attention to the most minute of details when it came to preparing food was impeccable. On Saturday, January 31, surrounded by loved ones, Rachel peacefully entered her eternal rest and went home to be with her Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He had satisfied her with long life, 99 years to be exact. Rachel was preceded in death by her parents, Elder Aaron and Josephine Simmons, all of her siblings, Louis Simmons, Areatha Simmons Jordan, Ruth Simmons, Benjamin Simmons, Austin Simmons, Caleb Simmons, Aaron Simmons, Jr., Miriam Simmons; and her beloved husband, Arthur Lee “Sonny Boy” Jones. She is survived by her loving children, Eric Jones (Tonya) of Tallahassee, FL and Arthurene Jones of Snellville, GA; a cherished granddaughter, Erica Jones of Houston, TX; a niece, Rachel Simmons Hinves (David) of Port Perry, ON and two nephews, Benjamin Simmons (the late, Alida) of Tampa, FL and Artez Simmons of Atlanta, GA. Rachel was a daughter, a sister, a wife, a mother, a cousin, an aunt, a grandmother, and a loyal friend. She wore many hats throughout her life but the greatest of them all was that she was a child of God. Even in her old age, she never lost the will to pray and to praise Him. Rachel had the heart of a servant. She was known for her hospitality, kindness, thoughtfulness, generosity, caring personality and love for her family and friends. “With long life I will satisfy him and show him my salvation.” Psalms 91:16

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Rachel Simmons Jones

July 13, 1926 - February 1, 2026