Menu
Search by Name
Search by Name
BORN
1925
DIED
2021
Olivia Simmons Obituary
Olivia was born April 15, 1925 in Chipley, Florida to Gladys Higginbotham and Carl Carter. She is survived by her sons Cleatous J. Simmons (Rhonda), Winter Park, and Clayton D. Simmons (Joanne), Lake Mary, 8 grandchildren, 10 great grandchildren, her sister Odeal Gainer, 93, and numerous nieces and nephews. She was preceded in death by her parents, her brother Cleatous Carl Carter, her sister Oveal Caswell, and her beloved husband, Joseph Daniel Simmons.
Olivia dropped out of High School at age 17 but enrolled in Rapid City South Dakota High School at the age of 25 to earn her high school diploma. From there she went on to obtain a bachelor's degree at Florida State University, a master's degree at University of South Alabama, and ultimately completed the course work for a PhD in education through Nova Southeastern University. A lifelong educator she believed education opened the door to unlimited opportunity for anyone willing to apply themself.
A fiercely independent woman, Olivia fought for success in every endeavor. She was an equally fierce wife and mother. "Quit" and "can't" were not part of her vocabulary and she never took no for an answer. She inspired many young women to continue their education and move forward in life. At her 90th birthday celebration over 130 people attended and many gave glowing tributes to the motivational influence Olivia had in their lives.
Olivia touched many lives with her own life well lived. A celebration of life will be held for Olivia at a future date. The family requests that in lieu of flowers you may make a donation to an educational charity of your choice, or hospice, in her honor.
To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.
Memories and Condolences
for Olivia Simmons
Sponsored by The Orlando Sentinel.
2 Entries
Deb Carswell
May 24, 2021
Olivia was a true southern lady from the heart. One cannot think of her with out remembering her infectious smile. I was fortunate to know Olivia though her service with the League Of Women Voters of Seminole County. She hosted several of the most wonderful Holiday parties, as Pat mentioned, at her lakeside home in Lake Mary ..
filling both inside and outside along the veranda with perfectly decorated tables.
I enjoyed going early to help her set up and loved placing all the china and silver, lace and linens in just the designated prefect spots!
She was full of life and we relished talking about the shenanigan's in Tallahassee. I think she may have even run for office!
Always proud of her sons and grandchildren she was very fond of sharing photos with updates on each.
For many months ,I had her voice on my answer machine, Very formal announcing her first and last name and number with : her sweet southern accent "please call me at your earliest convivence. Thank you Debbie! ".
I told her I would visit day with pastries to just sit and hear her stories, She responded with a twinkle in her eye" ..or come at night with a bottle of wine!"
Love you and your spunk Olivia! Thank you for your service to the League and community. You are missed!
Paul and Lani Schumacher
May 15, 2021
A great lady who we had the pleasure of knowing and celebrating with on many occasions. Her legacy is noted in the obituary above, but her best work was in raising and training two very fine men--her sons. Her life will have a ripple effect for many years to come. We are thankful for her life and knowing her.
Showing 1 - 2 of 2 results
Make a Donation
in Olivia Simmons's name
Please consider a donation as requested by the family.
Memorial Events
for Olivia Simmons
How to support Olivia's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.
The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.
Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?
What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?
Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?
We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.
Read moreResources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide
If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.
Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast
Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.
Read more
The Five Stages of Grief
They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.
Read moreWays to honor Olivia Simmons's life and legacy
Obituary Examples
You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.
Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples
These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.
Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?
Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.
Read more
