Murdena Faulkenberry Simmons

Mrs. Murdena Faulkenberry Simmons, born November 11, 1947 in Decatur, Alabama, went to glory May 1, 2026. 

Raised in Ardmore, Alabama by her parents, Murray V. and Aldena Toone Faulkenberry, alongside her beloved sister Geraldine Faulkenberry, she was a loving wife and dedicated lifelong ministry partner to Rev. Jim Simmons. “Mama Bear” to James Murray Simmons of Lexington, Emily Ruth Simmons, APRN of Chicago, Illinois and Sarah Catherine McCullom (Joe) of Lombard, Illinois. Loving GranMur of James Oliver Eaton Simmons of Lexington, KY.

After graduating from Ardmore High School in 1964, she worked her way through Athens College as a staff writer for the Huntsville Times before continuing her education at Middle Tennessee State University and then Southern Seminary in Louisville, where she earned a Master’s Degree in Social Work. It was in Louisville where she met Jim at Walnut Street Baptist Church. Married for 48 years, she faithfully served alongside Jim in campus ministry at Murray State University and numerous Baptist churches in west Kentucky and northwest Tennessee. A living example of Christ’s love to all who knew her, Murdena was a member of West Fork Baptist Church, Murray. She never knew a stranger and was a proud “adopted mom” to many.

When not reading, completing the daily crossword puzzles, winning board games, or traveling with family, she was actively involved in multiple ministry organizations including the Women’s Missionary Union, Vets With A Mission Vietnam Outreach, the Appalachian Missions Outreach, and the Amazon Mission Organization (AMOR). Her desire to be the hands and feet of Jesus sent her through Murray, to the mountains of Appalachia and down the Amazon River twice. Though faced with the challenges of Parkinson’s Disease, she approached each day with grace, dignity, and a courageous spirit. She and her family are forever grateful to the loving care provided to her by “The A-TEAM.”

The celebration of life will begin at 1 pm on Tuesday, May 5, 2026 at the Heritage Chapel of Imes Funeral Home, 1804 Highway 121 Bypass North, Murray.

Her family welcomes visitors from 11 am until 1 pm on Tuesday at the Heritage Chapel.

In lieu of flowers, the family requests donations be made in her honor to The Songs By Heart Foundation (https://songsbyheart.org/donate/) or to your missions organization of choice.

Please join family and friends in honoring the life of Mrs. Murdena F. Simmons by visiting www.imesfh.com to post your tributes and memories.