Marie Vivian Simmons

Marie Vivian Simmons was born on April 5th,1932 in Ladson, South Carolina, she was the first
daughter to the late Hattie and Herbert Ravenel. After the untimely death of their father, Marie
and her siblings Ted, Irene, and Willis, were raised by grandparents Selena (Mam’ma) and
Lucius (Daddy) Pinnacle in the close-knit community of Ladson.

Marie attended school in Berkeley County as a child but moved to Charleston to obtain her
diploma from Burke High School. She excelled in courses like cosmetology, and Marie learned
sewing from Mam’ma and was an accomplished seamstress. Undaunted by the segregation
that would not allow her to try on any clothes from King Street; she went home and made the
same clothes herself. Her quick mind and vision for detail landed her supervisory positions on
the factory floor in the textile industry.

It was in Charleston that she met another Burke Bulldog, Henry Simmons, who was enlisted in
the United States Air Force. They were married more than 53 years, raising three children:
Francheryll, Peggy, and Mark, and lived in several states as well as abroad in England. As Henry
completed his second tour of duty in Vietnam, Marie decided that her traveling days were over,
and in 1971 moved to West Ashley in the home that many came to know and love.

The foundation of her strong faith was laid in Ladson by her grandparents. Daddy and Mam’ma
made sure all under their roof attended Sunday School, Bible Study, and every Church service.
Moving to Charleston as a teenager, she joined Washington Methodist Church. Wherever
Henry and Marie lived she made sure her family always held a church membership.

Marie bore witness to the joy of having been churched all her life and in her latter years joined
W.O.R.D. Ministries in Summerville, South Carolina. There she served as an Elder and ordained
minister, the eldest member of the board of trustees, as well as the eldest member of the
church. Her faith was never hidden; from street evangelism and witnessing; to minister to the
sick and shut-in; to intercessory prayer in the church building, and at home; to support and
care for grieving families, she knew the weapons of her warfare were mighty through God.

Marie was loved by many, and in her latter years she was cared for in her home by her
grandsons/big boys David Willis and Jarmal Lee; and her friend and sister in Christ, Tabatha
Wilson, in addition to countless caregivers.

She was preceded in death by her husband Henry; son Mark; and daughter Peggy and son-in-
law Rob. She also mourned the death of sisters Irene and Beverly, and brothers Virgil and Ted.

She leaves to cherish and celebrate her life, brother Willis Ravenel (Anna Mae); daughter Fran
Atchison (Samuel); grandchildren Matthew and David Willis, Jael Atchison Williams (Marshall),
Danielle, Kevin, and, Jonathan Atchison; Nortina, Mark (Shaela), and Kevin Simmons; Shon,
Jarmal, and Megan Lee; her neighbor for more than 50 years Alice Wise; her W.O.R.D Ministries
family; and a host of in-laws, nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.

Marie was known by many names: Rica, Sister, Elder Marie, Mother Marie, Queen, Mommy,
Granny, Grandmommy, and friend. However, she would like most to be remembered as a
faithful servant and child of the Most High God.

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