Mrs. Mazie Bell Simmons Blocker

April 8, 1927 - January 12, 2016

"For I am now ready to be offered, and the time of my departure is at hand…..I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith"……. IITimothy 4:6-7 On Tuesday, January 12, 2016, Mrs. Mazie Bell Simmons Blocker, 88, wife of the late James Blocker, departed this earthly life at Palmetto Health Tuomey, Sumter, South Carolina. She was born in Summerton, S.C. to the late Reverend Ambrose and Katherine Pearson Simmons of Clarendon County. At an early age, she accepted Jesus Christ as her Lord and Savior. Mrs. Blocker grew up in Mt. Zion A.M.E. Church in Summerton, S.C. She later joined St. Paul A.M.E. Church where she was very active in several organizations: Church School Teacher, Steward, Class Leader, President of the Lay Organization, President of the Usher Board, President of the Stewardess Board, Member of the Women’s Missionary Society (WMS), Worship Leader of Sumter Area W.M.S., and Chairperson of the Evangelistic Committee. She was active in Bible Study and prayer service. She was a prayer warrior and loved her St. Paul Church Family. She received her education in the Sumter School District. After which she moved to Philadelphia, PA where she became an avid seamstress for many years. She moved back to Sumter and continued her career in the clothing industry until her retirement. In her free time, she loved working in her vegetable and flower gardens. She planted and sold gladiolus. She was also well known for her delicious biscuits and sweet potato pies. Known for always having a kind word and good advice, she made a difference in the lives of all she encountered. Mazie loved her family and was always there whenever she was needed. Mrs. Blocker was preceded in death by her husband, James Blocker; a daughter, Ann Blocker Burnett; and a brother, Moses Levi Simmons. To cherish her precious memories, Mazie leaves: four daughters: Bettie (Roger) Owens, Columbia, SC, Jannitt (Chris) Cox, Greenville, SC, Brinda Blocker, Sumter, SC, Terri (Paul) McLeod, Greensboro, NC; one brother, Milton Simmons of Baltimore, MD; four sisters: Leola Bossard and Mary Simons of Baltimore, MD, Rose Ann Williams and Janie (Wilkerson) Knight of Sumter, SC; five grandchildren: Tondeleo (Donnine) Day, Kanika Wilson, Alicia Day, Cicely Nelson and Toriano Blocker; 12 great-grands; a special daughter, Angela Monique Cooper, and other relatives and friends.