INA CLAIRE SIMMONS

At age 83 Ina Claire Ruffin Simmons, a woman of faith with an unforgettable spirit, entered into eternal rest on May 11, 2026. Affectionately known as Mother, Gram, Tontee or “Miss Ina Claire”; she was born at Charity Hospital in New Orleans, to the union of the late Joseph Bland Ruffin Sr. And Iona Ruffin. Like her parents, Ina Claire was very proud of her deep Algiers roots. She accepted Jesus as her savior at age 12, and was baptized at the Greater Morning Star Baptist Church. She graduated from L.B. Landry High School in the Class of 1960. Faith and Music were the heartbeats of her life. Reared inside a musical church going family, she possessed a soul-stirring alto voice. This multi-generational divine musical gift was shared in various places and churches uplifting everyone who heard her until her final days. One of her greatest joys was participating in the Council on Aging (COA) choir. At the Jazz Festival last year, she was still in the Gospel Tent leading a song. She was a brilliantly multifaceted and a renownedly skilled professional seamstress. Customers getting attire for proms, or weddings made by Miss Ina Claire's expertise. 22 years at the New Orleans Public School system as a para-professional until she retired. As a Parental Facilitator she left an indelible mark citywide training parents. As a class aide, assisting special needs teachers at B.M. Palmer Elementary, her support extended to local youth with behavioral development challenges. Ina Claire Simmons truly did the Lord’s work. Ina Claire was an alluring woman who commanded any room she walked into. Blessed with big, beautiful eyes and a million-dollar smile, she embodied poise, manners and eloquence. Ina Claire's style was bold, and moved through the world with an unmistakable, confident strut. Ina Claire took pride in being the generous host that we truly enjoyed. People like her really believed in entertaining guests or company. Everyone received wonderful meals, and a variety of desserts or sweet treats. Ina Claire Ruffin Simmons is preceded in death by her parents and grandparents. She is survived by her brother Joseph (Gloria) Ruffin, 4 children Nanette Simmons McCann, Ernando (Termaine) Simmons, Tyras Simmons, and Sonji (Byron) Moffett. 2 Step daughters, 16 Grandchildren, 22 Great Grandchildren and 2 Great Great Grandchildren. A host of loving relatives and friends to mourn the beautiful legacy she leaves behind. Relatives and friends of the family, also pastors, officers and members of Fischer Community Church and all neighboring churches are invited to attend the Celebration of Life at Fischer Community Church, 1737 L. B. Landry Avenue, New Orleans, LA on Wednesday May 27, 2026, at 10:00a.m. Pastor James Nelson Brown, officiating. Visitation will begin at 8:30a.m. until service time at the church. Interment: McDonogh Cemetery-Gretna, LA. Arrangements by Davis Mortuary Service, 230 Monroe St. Gretna, LA. To view and sign the guestbook, please go to www.davismortuaryservice.com.