Audrey Lanette Simmons-Kempt

Audrey Lanette Kempt was born on October 6, 1960, to James Simmons and Mandy Neal. She was the second eldest of seven children. Audrey committed her life to Christ at an early age and was baptized at West Union Baptist Church.

Raised in Jacksonville, Florida, Audrey completed her education with Duval County Public Schools and proudly graduated from Paxon Senior High School in 1978. She went on to graduate from Florida Junior College, now known as FSCJ, where she earned a Certificate in Business Administration.

Audrey spent several years as a business associate for Sears Corporate offices. She also helped manage her family-owned car wash “New Attitudes” and worked alongside her family at Jenkins BBQ. Most of her career was spent in early childhood education, where she worked in her family business, Playhouse of Fun and Knowledge as a teacher. Audrey had a special place in heart for children. She loved watching them play, learn and grow, and she was a nurturing presence in their lives. She was highly sought after to babysit and watch the children of her loved ones. After her health declined, she retired early and spent decades as a devoted homemaker.

Audrey had an affinity for the elderly, from a young age up until her demise, she would often visit her elderly loved ones to check on them, spend quality time, and help them with their everyday needs.

Audrey also had a deep love for cooking. She found immense joy in preparing delicious meals for her loved ones. She was especially known for her famous tuna macaroni salad and her delightful soul food dishes. Her kitchen was a gathering place where family and friends enjoyed her home-cooked meals and their welcoming aromas, that you can often smell upon arrival.

In addition to her skills in the kitchen, she was naturally talented at art. She often drew detailed portraits of her friends and family. Her drawings inspired and enchanted everyone who saw them. Her artistic legacy will continue to live on through her beautiful works.

She was with her devoted husband Greg for forty-four happy years, sharing a deep love and commitment. The two were always together and had an unbreakable bond. Audrey’s life was a testament to unwavering faith, service, and compassion. She embraced every role with grace—daughter, sister, wife, mother, grandmother, and friend—giving freely of her time, her wisdom, and her heart. Audrey was the cornerstone of her family. Her legacy of love, creativity, and kindness will never be forgotten.

Audrey was preceded in death by her parents, James and Mandy Neal Simmons; her brothers, Anthony Simmons, Robert Simmons, Noel Simmons, and Kenneth Simmons; and her grandchildren, Tyree Myers Jr. and Garielle Jackson. She was also preceded in death by her mother and father-in-law, John and Arzada Kempt; and her sister-in-law, Joyce Kempt.

She is survived by her dedicated husband, Gregory Kempt Sr.; daughters, Andrea Jackson (Gary), Latrice Kempt-Leshoure (Michael), and Latia Myers (Tyree); stepchildren, Sonyia Kempt-Benson (Earl) and Gregory Kempt Jr.; grandchildren, Earl Brooks III, Anthony Brooks, Audriana Kempt, Talia Myers, and Shania Myers; step grandchildren, Deontey Benson and Eyonce Benson; sister, Maria Simmons; brother, James Simmons (Joyce); sisters-in-law, Carolyn Neal (Ronald) and Phyllis Poythress; uncles, Claude Simmons (Gwendolyn) and Ronald Neal (Carolyn); aunts, Mattie Leggett and Carolyn Simmons; and beloved cousin, Lisa Law; along with numerous nieces, nephews, extended family members, and friends.

Sarah L. Carter's Funeral Home Northside is serving the Family.

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