rena bell evans simmons
1900-1978
Life Story
Endurance, Loss, and Legacy Across Generations
The life of Rena Bell Evans Simmons stands as a powerful testament to the strength and endurance of Black women in the twentieth-century American South. Born on January 28, 1900, in Newton County, Mississippi, she was the daughter of Robert T. (“Bob”) Evans and Alsena “Sena” Williams Evans.
Raised in the Lawrence community of Beat 4, Rena grew up in a large, industrious farming family. By 1910, at just ten years old, she was already contributing to the household as a farm laborer on her father’s land—an early introduction to the responsibilities that would define her life.
A Trial of Youth and Loss
Before her marriage to Archie (Arch) Simmons, Rena experienced a profound personal tragedy in her early teenage years.
At just fourteen years old, she gave birth to a son:
- Willie Ellis Evans (born June 7, 1914)
The child’s death certificate identifies the father as her older sister’s husband, Joseph Ellis of Smith County, Mississippi, and lists Rena’s father, Robert T. Evans, as the informant—indicating that she remained within the care of her family during this difficult time.
Tragically, young Willie lived only four days, passing away on June 11, 1914. He was buried the following day in the Lawrence community.
This early chapter of Rena’s life reveals both the emotional weight of infant loss and the complexities of young motherhood in the Jim Crow South. It also reflects the crucial role of extended family in providing support during moments of crisis.
Marriage and the Simmons Household
By approximately 1916, Rena entered a new chapter of her life when she married Archie (Arch) Simmons. Together, they built a large and enduring family that would span generations and geography.
Rena and Arch were the parents of twelve children:
Sons:
- Robert Morris Simmons
- Jesse Burham Simmons
- Arch Simmons, Jr. Simmons
Daughters:
- Willie Mae Simmons Davis
- Annie
- Johnette
- Leverne Simmons Miller
- Odessa
- Grenada Simmons Dukes
- Vera Mae
- Mattie Lou
- Brenda
As a wife and mother, Rena managed a demanding household while contributing to the economic survival of the family. Her role extended far beyond domestic responsibilities—she was a central figure in sustaining and organizing family life.
Life, Law, and Survival in Mississippi
Rena’s life also reflects the broader realities faced by Black families navigating restrictive legal and social systems in the early twentieth century.
In July 1936, both Rena and her husband Arch were named in a Newton County criminal court report for “possession of liquor.” Arch was fined and sentenced, while Rena’s case was continued.
This moment offers insight into the precarious balance families maintained—often operating within informal or underground economies to survive during the Great Depression era, particularly in rural Mississippi.
Migration and Expanding Legacy
As her children reached adulthood, Rena and her family became part of the broader movement known as the Great Migration.
By 1950, Rena and Arch had relocated to St. Louis, Missouri, joining thousands of Southern Black families seeking better economic opportunities and living conditions. From there, the family extended further into cities such as Milwaukee, Wisconsin, creating a widespread but connected kinship network.
Despite this geographic expansion, Rena’s identity remained deeply rooted in her Mississippi origins and family traditions.
Passing and Legacy
Rena Bell Evans Simmons passed away in May 1978 at the age of 78.
Her obituary reflects a life grounded in faith and community, noting that she joined Union Chapel Methodist Church at an early age and remained a devoted member throughout her life.
At the time of her passing, she left behind a remarkable legacy:
- 44 grandchildren
- 28 great-grandchildren
Following her funeral in the Lawrence community, she was laid to rest in Community Cemetery, returning to the same Mississippi soil where her life had begun.
Enduring Significance
Rena Bell Evans Simmons’ life tells a story of survival through hardship, adaptation through change, and strength across generations.
From the loss of her first child as a teenager, to raising a large family, to participating in the Great Migration, she embodied the resilience required of Black women in the twentieth century. Her legacy lives on not only through her descendants, but through the enduring story of a woman who navigated life’s challenges with strength, dignity, and perseverance.
Biographical Summary
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Birth | January 28, 1900, Newton County, Mississippi |
| Death | May 1978 |
| Parents | Robert T. Evans and Alsena (Sena/Cenie) Evans |
| Spouse | Archie (Arch) Simmons |
| Children | 12 (including Robert Morris, Jesse Vernon, Arch Jr., Willie Mae, Johnette, Leverne, Odessa, Vera Mae, Mattie Lou, Brenda, Annie, Grenada) |
| Notable Event | Infant son Willie Ellis Evans (1914–1914) |
| Residence | Newton County, MS; later St. Louis, MO |
| Religion | Union Chapel Methodist Church |
| Burial | Community Cemetery, Lawrence, Mississippi |
Resting Place
Union Chapel United Methodist Church Graveyard
Photos/Albums
Sources
- 1900, 1910, 1920, 1930, 1940, 1950 Federal Censuses
- U.S., Social Security Death Index, 1935-2014
- U.S., Social Security Applications and Claims Index, 1936-2007
- Scott County Times, Rena B. Simmons Obituary, Wed, May 24, 1978 ·Page 3
- The Newton Record, Alsena W. Evans Obituary, Wed, Oct 18, 1972 ·Page 16
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