ANNIE LUDIE LASTER SIMMONS was born on April 27, 1923, in Stewart County, Georgia, to the late Eulus and Essie Williams Laster. She lived to the blessed age of 101 and was 24 days shy of turning 102 years old. She was the eighth of thirteen children born to this union. She was named after her uncle Jacob Wesley Williams' wife. Ludie was a very tall and confident young woman. At a young age, she was a believer in the Lord Jesus Christ; one of her favorite scriptures was Psalm 23.

Ludie was educated in the public schools of Stewart and Terrell Counties in Georgia. She also attended Albany State College but left to live with her Aunt Julia in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania. While in Philadelphia, Ludie met and married Robert Simmons on November 17, 1959. Later, the couple moved to Hartford, Connecticut, where she worked as a salesperson at a major department store for many years. She was always looking for bargains, and she would often send boxes of clothing to members of the family. To her family, she was the Original Fashionista! Her trademark was her red nail polish and red lipstick. Ludie relocated back to Georgia after her husband died and spent the last thirteen years at Pruitt Health–Palmyra Nursing Home in Albany, Georgia.

Throughout her life, Ludie was a kind loving person who was known for her funny wit and nicknames she would give to people around her. She loved her family and was grateful for every day of life.

On Thursday April 3, 2025, Ludie peacefully departed her earthly life at PruittHealth-Palmyra. In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband Robert Simmons; two brothers Kennie Laster and Carver "Bo" Laster; ten sisters Ozie L. Sherman, Gussie Pearl L. Laney, Honorine L. Shorter, Thelma L. Myles, Enner L. Hughley, Emma L. Harris, Elmyra L. Rumph, Elizabeth L. Brown, Tommie Laster and Sally L. Ingram; favorite niece Rosa "Toyce" Whitlock; and nephew Gregory John Hughley.

She leaves to cherish her memory several nieces, nephews, cousins, and friends.