Marcia Simmons
"Big Mama"
Big Mama (Marcia) began her adult life as a Dominican Sister for the Sick Poor. Her entire professional career was spent caring and supporting those in need. She earned a master’s in nursing which resulted in beginning Visions, a day care and support center for teen moms in Cincinnati, Ohio. With the support of Marcia and her programs, the moms at Visions were able to graduate high school and look forward to an independent and knowledgeable future. She enjoyed cooking, spending time with her kids and grandkids, all alongside Jerry, her husband of 47 years. She never stopped moving, never stopped helping, and never stopped DOING. Marcia continued to write grants for programs helping the underserved well into her retirement, with some still in the works when she passed in 2018. Marcia left a legacy of community service that will last for generations.
Marianne Simmons
Marianne is a 5th grade educator in a Title 1 elementary school in Knoxville, TN. Her journey here was a winding path, but at 42 years old she earned her Master’s in education and looked for the same feel that surrounded her when visiting Big Mama at work as a child. Service to her community has always been an easy yes. Whether it was supporting spouses through her husband’s 25 year Marine Corps career, coaching one of her four children in soccer, tball, or volleyball, helping pass out food or presents during the holidays, or participating in a safe walk to school program, she is always willing to go all in for others.
Elizabeth Simmons
Elizabeth has built her career around service—supporting women, families, and communities in need. What began as a calling to be a doula grew into a lifelong commitment to expanding access to compassionate care. From founding a birth center in Boulder, Colorado, to building the first nationwide network of doulas to receive health insurance reimbursement for their work, Elizabeth has dedicated herself to creating systems that value and sustain the people who nurture others. At home, Elizabeth and her family are deeply rooted in their small, vibrant mountain community. Whether she’s spearheading a high school fundraiser—the Ballpark Bash—or swapping stories with old-timers over coffee at the local café, Elizabeth finds joy in connection and community. Her work and her life reflect the same belief: that strong, caring networks can change lives.