Terry Collins Simmons

In Loving Memory of Terry Collins Simmons (September 1, 1955 – May 19, 2025)

It is with profound sadness that we announce the passing of Terry Collins Simmons, age 69, who peacefully departed this life on May 19, 2025, at Christus St. Frances Cabrini Hospital after a gradual decline in health. Surrounded by her loving family and dedicated caregivers, Terry’s gentle spirit and unwavering kindness will be dearly missed. 

Terry was a cherished member of her community, renowned for her willingness to lend a helping hand and her compassionate nature. A proud graduate of Moreauville High School (1975), she dedicated many years of her life to service and support, retiring from Paragon Casino Resort in 2014 after two decades of commitment. Demonstrating resilience and a strong work ethic, she returned to the workforce in 2023 with the Avoyelles Council on Aging in Moreauville. 

Her family was the center of her world. Terry is survived by her devoted husband of 41 years, Lonnie Simmons; her children, Tyjuan Collins and Terrance Truth Collins; her beloved bonus children, Myaka Prier and Malik (Christina) Prier; and her grandchildren, C’Niyah Christal, Malik, and Talen Prier. Her family also includes her brothers, Frank Collins, Johnny Collins, and Troy Collins; her sister, Debbie (Gary) Joshua; and numerous nieces, nephews, and friends who loved her dearly. 

Terry was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Isaiah and Mary Singleton, paternal grandparents Joe and Bessie Collins; her parents, Frank Collins and Shirley Collins Grant; her mother- and father-in-law, Joe and Ethel Guient; her brother, Merlin Collins; her nephew, Shawn Washington; her brother-in-law, Willie Simmons; her sister-in-law, Rose Wilson; her childhood confidants, Gloria Cannon and Perry Joshua; and her beloved family pet, Mr. Louie. Terry’s legacy of love, service, and community will continue to inspire all who knew her. She will remain forever in our hearts. 

Funeral Service for Terry Collins Simmons of Moreauville will begin at 11:00 AM on Saturday, May 31, 2025, at Little Zion Baptist Church, 307 South Bayou De Glaises, Cottonport, LA. Burial will take place at Shiloh Baptist Church, 12716 LA-1, Moreauville, LA. Repass will follow at Lady of Sorrow Community Center, 524 Main Street, Moreauville, LA. 

Visitation will begin at 9:00 AM until 11:00 AM, on May 31, 2025, at Little Zion Baptist Church, Moreauville, LA. Family and friends are invited to sign and view the online guestbook at www.escudefuneralhome.com. Escude Funeral Home of Mansura, 6608 Porterie St., Mansura, LA 71350 (318-964-2324) has been entrusted with the funeral arrangements.