Dr. Jesse Doyle Simmons, Sr., 84, of West Columbia died August 3, 2011. Born in South Boston, VA, he was a son of Benjamin and Elizabeth Smith Simmons. After graduating from Holmes Bible College in Greenville, he served over 60 years as an ordained minister in the South Carolina Conference of the International Pentecostal Holiness Church. His pastorates included Laurinburg Pentecostal Holiness Church, Johnsonville Pentecostal Holiness Church, Ebenezer Pentecostal Holiness Church in South Congaree, and Crossroads World Outreach Center in West Columbia. He served as the Superintendent of the South Carolina Conference for 3 years until he was elected as Assistant General Superintendent and Executive Director of both Evangelism USA and World Missions for the IPHC in Oklahoma City, OK. He held a Doctorate in Religious Education from Agape Christian University in Los Angeles, CA, along with an honorary Doctor of Divinity from Holmes Bible College. He was a World War II Army veteran.

He was preceded in death by his beloved wife of 54 years, Lady Lois Simmons; two sisters and three brothers. Surviving are his wife, Alfreda Flowers Simmons; children, Nova (Dolton) Norman, Debra (Al) Sturkie, Ginger Simmons and J.D. (Cheryl Santiago) Simmons Jr; grandchildren, Gini (Michael Merckle) Youmans, Ashley (Seth) Cain, Rodney Sturkie, Benjamin Sturkie, Chadwick Ingram, Joshua (Niki) Butler, Jesse (Jennifer) Simmons III; 12 great-grandchildren; Alfreda's daughter, RuthAnne Rainey; granddaughters, JoBeth and Brittany; 1 great-granddaughter. Dr. Simmons was a man of deep faith and infectious joy. He will be missed by all who knew and loved him, though today he is enjoying the very great reward of his heavenly Father.