We gather to celebrate the life of Derrick Lamar Simmons born July 13, 1971 to the late Herbert and Virginia Brown Simmons.

Derrick attended St. George High School and graduated in 1989.  He furthered his education at South Carolina State University, where he graduated Cum Laude with a degree in Accounting.  Derrick was employed with Food Lion for several years.  He later found his passion for cooking.  Derrick shared his love for cooking by working for various restaurants such as Fatz, Applebee's, Georgio's and King's One Stop until his health began to decline.  Derrick was known by many as The Chef, The Peanut Man, Chicken Salad Man, Mr. Suave and as The Family Maccaroni Man.

He was a member of New Grace United Methodist Church where he attended until his health failed.

Derrick was preceded in death by his parents, Herbert and Viginia and his brother, John Simmons.

He leaves to cherish his memories, his loving wife, Angela Parker Simmons of Orangeburg, SC; four sons, Mandrell (Fatrima) Simmons of Clarksville, TN, D'Angelo Simmons and Angelous Simmons both of Orangeburg, SC and Aldrico Reeves; two daughters, Nefertitti Simmons and Tynasia Simmons both of Charleston, SC; two brothers, James Allen (Mabeline) Simmons of Summerville, SC and Herbert (Pamala) Simmons of Reevesville, SC; four sisters, Mazie Brown of Charlotte, NC, Ida L. Simmons of Roweville, SC, Dorothy Jenkins and Margaret (William) Kelly both of St. George, SC; fifteen grandchildren; two sisters-in-law, Sarah Simmons of Harleyville, SC and Wendy (Anton) Powell of Columbia, SC; father-in-law, Jerome (Maggaline) Parker; two brothers-in-law, Anthony (Savonya) Parker and Rodell (Onjaneka) Parker both of Orangeburg, SC; a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends.  Special friends, Marie Cusack, Eric Phillips and Ernest Smith.