Essie B. Simmons (née Jarrett), 81, of Freeport, IL departed this earthy life on April 11, 2026. She was born on September 11, 1944, in Rockford, IL to Willie R. and Bessie Ree Jarrett.

She attended West High School in Rockford, IL. She was employed by National Lock for 25 years until it relocated and Provena St. Joseph Center prior to retiring.

Essie married Willie B. Simmons on November 12, 1969.

Those left to cherish her memory include her husband, Willie; her children, Victor (Camille) Simmons, Edwin “Sandy” Jarrett, Renee (Mark Whitaker) Simmons, Tracy Simmons, Tonja Jarrett Sturdivant, Sonja (Steven) Gates, and Willie Antione Simmons; her siblings, Velma Buchanan, Evelyn Simmons, Thomas Jarrett, Jerry Jarrett, and Brenda Whitaker; and a host of other relatives and friends.

Essie was preceded in death by her parents; brother, Willie “Sam” Jarrett; sisters, Helen Faye and Ella Mae Jarrett; and grandchildren, Brittany Simmons Charlton and Victor Simmons Jr.

Services will be held at 11:00 AM Saturday, April 25, 2026, at Burke-Tubbs Funeral Home, 504 N. Walnut Avenue, Freeport, IL. Visitation will be held from 9:00 AM until the time of service.