Patsy Ford Simms

Patsy Ford Simms was first published in 1981 and is well respected for her compositions, musicals and arrangements for the educational and church markets with several leading publishing companies. She was inspired and encouraged by the late Joyce Eilers (creator of the 3 part mixed concept) who was her mentor. Patsy has received degrees from Knoxville College, University of Louisville and Columbia Pacific University.

Before retiring, she taught for over 34 years in grades K-12 and at the Youth Performing Arts School, Louisville, KY. Two of her compositions were selected for MENC World Largest Concerts. Patsy has performed at the Vatican and was commissioned to compose a piece for the opening celebration of the Grand Jubilee, 2000, also held at the Vatican. Her compositions and arrangements are compiled and archived at the Center for Black Music Research (Columbia College, Chicago) and the Donne in Musica Foundation (Rome, Italy).

She currently resides with her husband, Dr. Otis Turner, a retired Presbyterian Minister, in Jacksonville, FL. They are proud grandparents and have three grown sons.