Archbishop Micheal B. Simmons

“Some People come into our lives and quickly go. Some Stay for a while, leave footprints on our hearts, and we are never the same.” Flavia weedn Dr. Michael B. Simmons, a beloved and devoted husband, father, grandfather, brother, bishop, mentor, and friend, will be lovingly remembered forever. He has left many footprints in people's hearts. He was a resident of Luverne, Alabama, and passed away peacefully at the age of 71 on March 29, 2024, with family members present. Dr. Simmons was born on June 15, 1952, in Raleigh, North Carolina, to Levi H. Simmons and Kathryn R. Simmons. Michael moved to Mobile, Alabama with his family, where he attended Alba High School. It was during his high school years that he met Maria Simmons, the love of his life. They got married in 1973 and had three children: Tania, Michael, and Alexandra. They had a happy marriage that lasted for 51 years, and they lived their lives as a testament to a perfectly divine marriage. Dr. Michael Simmons' life is a testimony to what can happen when you put your faith and trust in God. As a young man, he was in a band, but later found Christ and experienced a transformation in his life. He believed that with Christ, all things are possible if you only believe. This verse was profoundly manifested in his life. He got accepted to the most prestigious colleges in the world, Harvard, Princeton, Duke, and Yale. He chose to attend Duke and Yale to pursue his academics. He graduated from Duke and Yale with two Masters of Theology working as a student pastor. In 1980, he received his M. Div. at the Duke Divinity School, having studied Comparative Semitics, and in 1982 received his Master of Sacred Theology at Yale University. Graduating at the top of his class with honors. Queen Elizabeth awarded him a scholarship to The University of Edinburgh, where he received his Ph.D. in early Church History in 1985. Michael became a Methodist minister at the age of 20, feeling led by God to pastor a church in Luverne, Alabama for many years. Eventually, he felt called to become a member of the Anglican Communion and was consecrated bishop at St. Jude's Episcopal Church in Marietta, Georgia in 2000. He was later elected archbishop in 2007 by the House of Bishops of the Anglican Province of Christ the Good Shepherd and installed on March 26, 2008. As an archbishop, he oversaw many ministries and embarked on many mission trips to preach the gospel and minister to the poor. Michael and his wife Maria also adopted many children from other countries. In addition to his religious work, Michael was also a professor of Ancient History. Hebrew, and Greek at Auburn University for 35 years. He was a renowned international scholar and speaker who mentored many people. He delivered speeches at prestigious universities such as Oxford and Chicago, as well as conferences in Brazil, Argentina, and other countries across the globe. In 1995, his dissertation entitled "Arnobius of Sicca: Conflict and Competition in the Age of Diocletian" was published by Oxford University Press. He also authored numerous articles for Cambridge University Press. After retiring from Auburn University, he focused on his calling to become an archbishop of the Alpha & Omega Anglican Church. Despite his many accomplishments, he found his greatest joy in leading people to Christ and spending quality time with his family. He was a loving father, grandfather, and great-grandfather who lived life to the fullest every day. He was the cornerstone of his family and was devoted to God. He had a great sense of humor and was always full of life. He was the go-to person for guidance, wisdom, discernment, a good laugh, or a powerful prayer. He enjoyed traveling, spending time with his wife Maria, family, and friends, working on his land, doing research, helping others, and preaching the gospel. He was truly a man after God's own heart. Michael Simmons is survived by his wife, Maria Simmons, and his children Dr. Tania Simmons and Alexandra Jones. He is also survived by his grandchildren Hannah (Matt) Roland, Levi (Bailey) Thrasher, Austin Jones, and Ava Wildermuth, as well as his great-grandchildren Alaya, Emma, Sophia, Nora, Mia, Ezra, and Oliver. He had two brothers, Jerry (Linda) Simmons and Jimmy Simmons, and several nieces and nephews. Michael was preceded in death by his father, Levi H. Simmons, his mother, Kathryn R. Simmons, his son Michael Jr. Simmons, his son-in-law Marty Thrasher, his uncle Grover, his aunt Mary Evelyn, and many others. We are gathering to celebrate the life of Michael B. Simmons and pay tribute to him, as we believe he is now in heaven with Jesus. The Celebration of Life Memorial will take place at Serenity Funeral Home in Mobile, AL. The visitation will be held from 11:30 AM to 12:00 PM, and the service will commence at 1:00 PM. Instead of flowers, you can donate to Alpha & Omega Anglican Church, which was the center of Michael's ministry. Your contributions will help the church continue to raise disciples for Christ and make a positive impact on the world. To send your donations, please use the following address: Maria Simmons at 200 West 3rd Street, Luverne, Alabama 36049. "Remember to show your loved ones that you cherish them every day and never take each other for granted. We only have one life to live, so make it count. Archbishop Michael used to say, "Run to God and trust Him, for He will not fail you." When he was asked about his accomplishments, he would always say, "It was God's favor that helped me." So, if you don't know Jesus today, my prayer for you is that through these circumstances, God will minister to you, and you will find salvation in Him. That way, you can fulfill your purpose in God while you are here on earth, just like Archbishop Michael B. Simmons did. “Yes, we will forever miss you immensely, but there is peace knowing you are in heaven. We will always carry you in our hearts and may God allow us to feel your presence daily. For we know Jesus embraced you in his arms and said, “Well done my good and faithful servant.”

Tributes

Archbishop Micheal B. Simmons

June 15, 1952 - March 29, 2024