Carrie Belle Brown Simmons 
“Mabelle” 
October 9, 1950 – November 26, 2025 
“I have fought the good fight, I have finished the race, I have kept the faith.” - 2 Timothy 4:7

Carrie Belle Brown Simmons, fondly called “Mabelle,” was the beloved daughter of Hayward Brown and Mamie Williams Brown. She was born on October 9, 1950, in Madison, Florida. Together with her parents and her village, she was taught to be considerate, loving, selfless, and kindhearted. She resided in this community her entire life.

When she reached her early forties, Carrie Belle realized that it was because of God’s grace and mercy that supported her to this point of her life and that only He could remove the emptiness she felt. It was that point that she joyfully gave her life to Christ, joined the family of faith, and became an active member of Cascade Missionary Baptist Church. She became a faithful servant who rendered service until health challenges prevented her from doing so.

Carrie received her education in the Madison County School District. She attended Madison County Training School prior to its brief renaming as Suwannee River High School. Having been prepared for real world experiences, she began her employment career after her graduation. She worked at Gold Kist (Pilgrim’s Pride) for 20 years, was the manager of Citi Trends for 10 years, and was a classroom assistant at JoAnn Bridges Academy for several years. In each role, Carrie positively impacted those around her.

For her personal enjoyment, Carrie had a special fondness for being in or around the water. She looked forward to casting out her fishing poles in her favorite ponds and lakes for her prize, her catch of the day. However, she was always thrilled for the occasions when she walked along the seashore in the lapping waves of Panama City Beach.

In her retirement, “Mabelle” looked forward to sharing more time with her family. She loved traveling on road trips where she claimed her seat to offer guidance and to be the lookout for the other driver. As a result, she was affectionately regarded as the “Princess Passenger.” 

Because Carrie Belle Brown Simmons was strengthened by faith, she chose to “build her hopes on things eternal.” On Wednesday, November 26, 2025, God said, “You fought a good fight, and now it is time for you to take your rest.” Peacefully and obediently, she transitioned from her earthly journey to receive her heavenly reward “which the Lord, the righteous Judge, will award to me on that day…” (2 Timothy 4:8) for “holding to God’s unchanging hand.” 

Carrie Belle Brown Simmons is loved and held in high esteem; she will be deeply missed, but her legacy will remain in her loved ones’ hearts. Those whose lives she impacted in meaningful ways are her devoted husband of 37 years, Willie J. Simmons; her faithful daughter, Peggy Alexander; grandchildren, Cedric Davis and Tyresha Hudson; great-grandchildren, Carson Ford and Ye’Mai Anderson; sisters, Eddie Mae Bouie and Helen Carter; brothers, Tommy (Debra) Brown and John (Maette) Brown; mother-in-law, Rosa Lee Simmons; sisters-in-law, Karla (Samuel) Henry and Nora Simmons; brother-in-law, Colden Byrd; a special nephew, Edward (Antonia) Davis; as well as a host of sorrowing nieces, nephews, cousins, and many caring friends. 

Loved ones who preceded Carrie Belle Brown Simmons in death were her parents, Hayward and Mamie Williams Brown; siblings, Mae Eunice Brown Anderson, Edward Brown, Charlie Brown, Rev. Benjamin Brown, Napoleon Brown, Hayward Brown, Jr., Theodore Brown, and Amos Jones.