
On Sunday, August 27, 2023, the Reverend Doctor Margrie Lewter Simmons peacefully left this earthly realm and is now resting with the elders. We celebrate the life and memory of Margrie L. Simmons, born on November 5, 1926, the eldest of six children to the late Reverend Rufus C. Lewter, Sr. and Mary Lee Mitchell Lewter, in Sebring, Florida.
In 1951, Margrie relocated to Brooklyn, New York where she established herself as a successful businesswoman who owned and operated DeRee’s Beauty Salon and became a senior district manager with Field Enterprises Education Corporation, the publishers of World Book Encyclopedia. She would later move to Roosevelt, New York where she founded and directed Mercy House (an outreach ministry for mentally challenged adults), providing shelter, meals, counseling, and support.
While still in Brooklyn, Margrie became a member of the historic Cornerstone Baptist Church, pastored by the late Reverend Dr. Sandy F. Ray, where she was lead alto in the Senior Choir, chairperson of numerous organizations. In keeping with the Baptist Church covenant, she later moved and joined the Hollywood Baptist Church of Christ, pastored by her brother, the Reverend Dr. Andy C. Lewter, Sr. While there, she finally accepted her call to the gospel ministry and was licensed and ordained by her brother.
In 1990, Rev. Simmons was called to pastor the Assembly of Prayer Baptist Church where she served as senior pastor for over 20 years. Because of her God-given vision, and under her leadership, the congregation was able to erect an edifice of its own which was dedicated in 1998. In 1994, Reverend Simmons earned her Doctor of Divinity degree from the United Theological Seminary of Dayton, Ohio. Reverend Simmons is predeceased by one sister, Dr. Dorothy L. Davis, and her brother, Dr. Andy C. Lewter, Sr. She leaves to cherish her memories, two daughters, Deborah Simmons, Renee Hye, and a son-in-love, Pastor Reginald Hye. She leaves her remaining siblings: one sister, Reverend Maryanne L. McElroy; a brother, Dr. Rufus C. Lewter, Jr; Mr. Clayton Lewter; and Theresa Hightower.
Reverend Simmons leaves to cherish her legacy, five grandchildren: Lashawn Hye (Tamika); Kara Hye (Brian); Marqui Hye (Latoya); Joseph Hye (Jasmine); and Brianna Johnson-Simmons; ten great-grandchildren; two great-great grandchildren; and a host of nieces, nephews, and cherished friends.
The Celebration of Life will take place on November 4, 2023 (the day before Margrie would have turned 97 years old), at Assembly of Prayer Baptist Church in Roslyn Heights, New York at 1:00 p.m. Condolences may be sent to the family at 219 Lake Pointe Drive, Savannah, GA 31407. Donations may be made in memory of Dr. Margrie L. Simmons, to Hospice Savannah, at https://www.hospicesavannah.org/give
Offer Condolence for the family of Margrie Lewter Simmons

Breanca
My heartfelt condolences to you all. My heart and thoughts are with you. I love you guys.
Michelle Wilson
Rest in Love Pastor! Thanks for letting me beat those drums at the church. You were a blessing and will be truly MISSED! My condolences to your family!
Marcia Allen wells
My deepest condolences may the creator of our life grant her entrance into his kingdom when he gathers his children home on that waking day I truly loved and respected pastor Simmons and ywall will always be my spiritual family many blessed memories of you mom love sis Marcia wells n family
Gwendolyn Riberson
My condolences to the family, Pocca
Denise Anderson
You and family are in my thoughts and prayers.
Paula Ransom
So sorry for your loss. Sending my love, condolences and prayers to the family.
Alicia Cox
Prayers to the family of a wonderful woman. I remember sitting with Rev and talking about life. That 90min conversation was a blessing for me.
Elizabeth Williams
My sincere condonuses
To her daughter and the family Rev. Simmons was an amazing servant of God my she sleep in paradise
Grace and peace
Sharon Johnson
To Debi, Renee and the entire Simmons/Hye family, please accept my sincere condolences on the death of this dear woman of God. She was like a mother to me and she will be sorely missed.
Brandi Fisher
What an incredible woman to bless this Earth! May you continue to shine bright within us all. Sending my prayers and love to you all! Rest Eternally Pastor ❤️
Sandra Meaders
My condolences to you and your family…