Bishop Frederick Patrick Simmons, Sr.

Frederick Patrick Simmons was born on April 25, 1942, in Birmingham, Alabama, to the late Charles Patrick Sr. and Marjorie Simmons. As a child, he relocated to Cincinnati, Ohio, where he was raised and attended Cincinnati Public Schools. At the age of 17, Frederick enlisted in the United States Marine Corps, serving four years and touring Japan, where he developed a significant part of his character.

As a young man, Frederick (better known as Freddy) was not immune to the temptations and trials of street life. He was known in the streets of Cincinnati for his stylish dress, love for big cars, and his lively party spirit. It was during these years he was blessed to welcome three sons, Theodore, Frederick, Jr. and Roger. Frederick was also a dedicated, diligent worker, holding various jobs at companies such as General Motors, Coca-Cola, and Drake Hospital, where he retired after 30 years of service.

In the early 1970s, Frederick met Rebecca (Becky) Meeks. After both receiving Christ into their lives, they were united in Holy Matrimony in 1976. To this blessed union, three more children were born: Brian, Judaea, and Vincent. In that same year, Frederick was called to the ministry. With the fire of the Holy Ghost in his soul and the Word of God in his heart, he pursued his calling fervently and never looked back.

In 1977, Frederick joined New Unity Church of God under the guidance of its founders, Fisher and May Monroe. There, Frederick and his family became devoted members, growing stronger in their faith. They remained faithful to their church until the passing of Elder Fisher Monroe and May Monroe. In 1990, Frederick was ordained as Pastor of New Unity Church of God.

With the pastorship in his heart and hand, Pastor Simmons stood firm in God's Word, never backing down from any spiritual battle. He continued to pray, work, preach, and teach diligently, growing stronger in the knowledge, wisdom, and understanding of God's Word. He was a great watchman on the wall, warning the people to get their houses in order as he believed "The Lord is soon to return."

Frederick’s dedication proved effective as God elevated his calling. In August of 1997, he was ordained as Bishop in The Lord’s Church. As Bishop, Frederick served the Lord Jesus Christ with all his heart, soul, and strength. His life was an outstanding example of a man's walk with God, leading many to Christ and being full of the Holy Spirit.

He fought a good fight, kept the faith, and finished his course. Bishop Frederick P. Simmons transitioned from this life to life eternal and received his crown of Righteousness on March 13, 2024. Bishop Simmons leaves to cherish his memory: his loving wife, Rebecca Simmons, his children Theodore Maxberry (Shunta), Frederick Simmons Jr. (Jeanise), Roger Simmons Sr. (Devinn), Pastor Brian Simmons, Judaea Simmons-Lane (Carl), and Vincent Simmons (Fequita). He is also survived by his stepmother Rutha May Patrick, siblings Dr. Christine Wallace (Andrell), Pastor Charles Patrick (Gwendolyn), Pastor Gregg Patrick, Marydeane Griffin (Richard), Edwina Young, Pamela Jones-Simms, Ramona Wilson (Gilbert), Edward Beverly, II. (Brenda), Yolanda Beverly, and Mignette Dorsey (Joseph). Additionally, he is remembered by 25 grandchildren, 16 great-grandchildren, god-children, the New Unity Church of God fellowship family, and a great host of cousins, nieces, nephews, family, and friends too numerous to name. 

Bishop Simmons was preceded in death by his parents, Marjorie Simmons Beverly and Charles Patrick Sr., his stepfather, Edward Beverly Sr., his sisters, JoAnn Patrick Tolbert, Rutha May Patrick and Elizabeth Johnson as well as his brothers, Carl Patrick, and Larry Patrick.
 

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