Vessa Lee Skinner Simmons, 63, of DeRidder, LA, passed from this life on Tuesday, September 29, 2020.

On August 5, 1957, the fourth child of the union of Alvin, Sr. and Lucinda Vinson Skinner was born in Kinder, LA. Her father named her Vessa Lee. She had thick black hair, dimples, and silky, smooth skin. Vessa grew up in DeQuincy, LA, attending the 1St COGIC under the leadership of Bishop O.B. Pete where she accepted Christ and was baptized. She served the Lord through working in the church as Sunday School secretary, teacher, and choir member. She and her sisters sang together representing the church for special occasions. She became a member of Greater St. Paul COGIC of DeRidder, LA under the leadership of Elder David Iles.

She attended Grand Avenue High School and graduated from DeQuincy High School, thereafter graduating from Sowela Technical institute as a medical clerk. She then began working at DeQuincy Memorial Hospital.

She met and married the man of her dreams, her best friend and soulmate through a casual introduction to Marvin Simmons, who she would love the rest of her life. They were married June 2, 1979, a marriage that lasted a blissful 41 years. On her move to DeRidder, she began her career at Beauregard Memorial Hospital and retired after 32 years as supervisor of the unit.

Vessa thrived on keeping busy and would not rest when anyone needed help. She was asked to be the caregiver of her Uncle John and Mother-in-Law, Doretha, who she cared for until their demise. She was also called to be the caregiver for Mrs. Bernice Eldridge (Madear) and her brother, Sylvester, who she cared for until their death.

For some time, she worked at BCAA helping clients with special needs. She put her all into helping others and often neglected herself. When her mother became gravely ill, she made time to help with her and after she went to be with the Lord, she began helping her favorite aunt, Hazel Jackson. Every Wednesday, she took her out shopping and took care of her needs. She liked to shop and pick up things for other family members.

Vessa’s greatest blessing, as she would remark was the gift of her children, Mark (Ashley) and Valeece (Jerome), Monique, Rhonda and Sherell and eleven beautiful grandchildren, who were the heartbeat in her role as grandmother. Vessa’s life was full of very happy times and she was blessed with dear friends. Vessa’s entertainment was sports and the Dallas Cowboys was her team. She also loved watching lifetime movies, cooking family meals, and hosting entertainment in her home.

She will be dearly missed also by her father, Alvin Skinner, Sr. of DeQuincy, LA; brothers, Charles Skinner of Houston, TX, Alvin Skinner, Jr. (Myrtis) of DeQuincy. sisters, Brenda (Rev. David) Iles of DeRidder, LA, Margaret (Gary) Brown of DeQuincy, LA, Peggy (Derwin) Poindexter of Moss Bluff, LA; aunts, Ethel R. Campbell of Dallas, TX, Ida B. McCoy of DeQuincy, LA, Hazel Jackson of DeQuincy, LA; uncle, Lastie (Lou) Skinner; a host of cousins and friends.

She was preceded in death by her maternal grandparents, Ivory and Jimmy Palmer and Calvert Vinson; paternal grandparents, Leona Ardoin Reeves, William Reeves, and Layeus Skinner; mother, Lucinda (Vinson) Skinner; brother, James Curtis Skinner, Pastor Gary W. Skinner, God parents, Mamie and Guy Thornton; in-laws, Mark Simmons and Doretha Simmons Denmond and Leo Denmond.

Vessa will be greatly missed by all those who knew and loved her.

Drive thru visitation will be held on Friday, October 2, 2020 from 9:00 to 11:00 followed by a graveside service and burial at Beauregard Cemetery in DeRidder, LA. Pastor David Iles will officiate the service. Pallbearers will be Barrett Simmons, Jarrod Iles, Albert Collins, Jacobi Skinner, Matthew Skinner, Dominick Skinner, Jarome Davis, Reginald Skinner, Jordan Iles, Steve Skinner. Honorary Pallbearers were Dave Simmons, Marco Moreno, Calvin Simmons, Charles Skinner, Eld. David Iles, Eld. Frederick Skinner, Alvin Skinner, Jr., Eld. Derwin Poindexter.

The family wishes to express our appreciation for your many acts of kindness during this time of bereavement.

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