Toni Simmons Yates

Toni Lynn Simmons Yates, age 60, passed away peacefully in her home on Saturday, August 30, 2025, after a courageous battle with cancer, surrounded by the love of her family. A woman of deep faith, Toni believed fully in God's plan and carried herself with quiet strength and grace throughout her life.

Born to Tommy and Faye Simmons, Toni grew up in Tchula, Mississippi, alongside her brothers Keith, Bubba, and Scott. Surrounded by a host of loving grandparents, aunts, uncles, cousins, and friends, she spent countless hours enjoying fishing trips and fish fries, lively card games, and the joyful commotion of cousins playing together. Those family gatherings created treasured memories that shaped her lifelong love of togetherness. From an early age, she had a caring spirit and a heart for serving others. After graduating from Cruger-Tchula Academy, she pursued nursing at Holmes Community College, beginning a career that reflected her compassion and her calling to care for those in need. Her patients and loved ones alike knew her as someone who treated everyone with dignity, kindness, and love.

Toni built a life full of love and purpose with her husband, Edwin Yates. Together, they settled in Brandon, Mississippi, where they raised their two children, Lauren and Thomas Yates. One of her greatest joys was becoming "Noni" to her granddaughter, Brinley Paxton, who brought her endless pride and laughter. Her family was her greatest blessing, and she poured her heart into every moment with them.

Toni was a compassionate and selfless woman whose faith guided her every step. She was always there for others, whether it was to lend a hand or simply listen with patience and understanding. She had a special gift for knowing when to speak wisdom and when to simply be present. Her faith gave her the strength to lift others up, and she touched countless lives with her unwavering love and quiet courage.

Outside of her work and family, Toni found joy in life's simple blessings. She loved watching hummingbirds, casting a line on the water, reading a good book, and expressing her creativity through painting, drawing, and photography. She also had a deep love for animals, caring for each one as if they were family, especially her pride and joy, Callie.

A memorial service celebrating Toni's life will be held on Saturday, September 20, 2025, at 11:00 a.m. at Coxburg Methodist Church (4060 Ebenezer Coxburg Rd Lexington, MS 39095). In place of flowers, Toni requested that donations be made to the church via mail (3201 Coxburg Road Lexington, MS 39095).

Toni's life was a testament to love, faith, and resilience. She will be deeply missed, but her spirit and her example will continue to live on in all who were blessed to know her.