On July 8th, 1945, Edna May Harris was born to Sarah Lee Nabors (Tagger) and Nathaniel Little in Aberdeen, MS. From birth, Edna May Simmons or “Bigma” as she was widely known, had an abundance of humor and love for life. Bigma’s love of family was insurmountable, closely followed by caring for people. Bigma was happiest when she could go fishing with those she loved. She had a heart of gold and was the type of person that would give someone in need the clothes off her back. In the late 60’s, she married the late Haywood Richard Simmons. In her early years, Bigma worked at Catholic Charities, the Carlton House and as a private housekeeper to many families in the South shore. Later, she was employed for over ten years at Goddard Hospital where she was named employee of the year in 1991. She was remembered by many new mothers leaving the maternity floor of Cardinal Cushing (currently Good Samaritan Medical Center), for making them to go bags with essentials to start with for taking care of their new babies. A loving and caring mother whom adopted all children in her presence as her own. The ultimate host, she welcomed everyone in her home and made each guest feel like family. Bigma enjoyed listening to Southern Blues and loved participating in family gatherings especially family reunions. Her physical presence on earth has come and gone, but she will live on eternally with her savior Jesus Christ, where we will feel the warmth of her love, see the beauty of her soul and hear the ring of her laughter in our ears forever.
Edna May Simmons, is predeceased by her parents: Sarah Lee Nabors (Tagger) and Nathaniel Little, both of Aberdeen. Late Brothers: Tom Harrison of California, James Tagger of Aberdeen, Jacob Tagger, Sr. of Brockton, Eddie Harris of Chicago and Jordan Tagger of Chicago. Late Children: Irene Simmons of Brockton, Larry Purnell Tagger of Brockton, Lisa Simmons of Brockton and Debbie Readus of Boston.
Survived by: Leonard Shelby of Brockton, longtime companion; Siblings: Sarah Riddell and her husband Landon of San Antonio, Rose Watson of Brockton, Janet Bradshaw of Brockton, Dora Fernandes of Brockton, Barbara Holland of Charlotte and Annie Thomas of Aberdeen. Children: Patricia Tagger-Ward of Brockton, Richard Simmons and his wife Andrea Wayne-Simmons of Brockton, Michelle Jean-Pierre of Brockton, Leonard Readus of Brockton, and Erica Simmons and her husband Richard Myers of Brockton. Twenty-five grandchildren, nineteen great grandchildren, along with a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and close friends. She made a difference in the lives of so many. She will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved her.
Her family welcomes loved ones and friends to the visiting hours on Sunday November 13, 2016 from 9:30 – 11:30 am at Conley Funeral Home 138 Belmont Street Brockton. Celebration of Life Service will start at 11:30 am, also at the funeral home. Repass will follow at the Enterprise Club, 224 Clinton St, Brockton, MA 02302, from 1 pm – 5 pm. In lieu of flowers please consider donations in Edna’s name to Joslin Diabetes Center, 1 Joslin Place, Suite 745, Boston, MA 02215.