Reba Evaline Bourque
New Albany- Reba Evaline Bourque, 93, of New Albany, MS, passed away peacefully on Friday, May 23, 2025. She was born in Marion County, Al on May 19, 1932, to Argie and Shelby McCarley. She married her first love; George “Pete” Simmons of Tupelo, MS; and they had four beautiful children together. She worked for many years at Purnell Prides Chicken Hatchery. After the passing of Pete, she came across her second love after all her kids were grown. Rev. Ivan Bourque and Reba moved to Louisiana and ministered the Lord’s work for many years and later moved to Prentiss County, MS. After Ivan’s death, Reba moved to Tupelo, MS to live closer to family. Throughout her life she grew gardens and had to have flowers growing everywhere. If an animal came to her door step, she fed it. She loved plants, animals, and the Lord. She was and avid church attender until the decline of her health. As her health deteriorated, she moved to her final home of New Albany MS Health and Rehab.
Funeral services will be held at Waters Funeral Home in Baldwyn, MS on Tuesday May 27, 2025 at 5:00 PM with Bro. ??? officiating. Burial will be Zion Presbyterian Church Cemetery near Pontotoc MS.
Survivors include her children Carolyn Wiggs of Pontotoc, Johnny Simmons (Tammy) of Tupelo; daughter-in-law Linda Simmons of Shannon; 4 grandchildren James Simmons (April) of Tupelo, Angela Palmer (Chris) of Mooreville, Tracye Carter (Zack) of Saltillo, and Shae Wiggs of Tupelo; 6 great grandchildren; and many nieces and nephews. She is also survived by two sisters Shirley Hicks (Jerry) Ney, Ohio and JoAnn Kelly of Tupelo.
She was preceded in death by her parents; two husbands Pete Simmons and Ivan Bourque; two brothers R.V McCarley and John Elice McCarley; two sisters Marie Ward and Norma Mack; one son David Simmons; one daughter Wanda Hughes; and one granddaughter Jennifer Simmons.
Reba loved the Lord and served Him every day. She wore a smile on her face and tried to encourage all who crossed her path. She also did not allow anyone to be hungry, people and animals alike.
Pallbearers will be Chris Palmer, Zack Carter, Cliff Yates and James Simmons.
Visitation will be Tuesday May 27, 2025 from 3-5pm at Waters Funeral Home.
Expressions of sympathy may be sent to the family @www.watersfuneralservice.com
