Music Director
Donna Simms
Native of Louisville, Kentucky Donna moved in 1967 to Miramar when the city was very young and most residents could hear the cows mooing all the time. As the city grew some members of Temple Methodist Church in Hollywood started worshipping at 6700 Miramar Parkway and this eventually became the Miramar United Methodist Church on 2507 Utopia Drive which was opened in 1962. Donna’s father came to the church first, but Donna followed in 1973 and joined the church with her mother on May 20. Donna became the director of the youth choir called the Tower of Love. She enjoyed working with the teenagers especially as the girls wore long dresses and the boys wore white shirts and dress pants. Every time they sang it was a special occasion!
When the organist at the time resigned Donna was asked to take over playing all the music on Sunday mornings. On another occasion the choir director did not show up and Donna took on that role as well. Now she directs the choir while she plays the piano. Donna also assists many others with her musical and caring talents.
Donna has served faithfully through eight pastors and in the last 11 years has become involved in Broward Organized Leaders Doing Justice, BOLD Justice where she has served as team leader and on research committees. She advocated with BOLD Justice for an ordinance that encouraged companies to hire Broward residents in special need. She worked for sheriff’s officers to be trained to deal appropriately with mentally ill people. She has also served as the co-chair of the personnel committee. She has learned to communicate effectively in front of large groups for the sake of pursuing justice for others. Through her efforts and those of 24 other churches in Broward County Donna has rejoiced in the passage of civil citations for youth who deserve another chance rather than an arrest record.
Donna is often found around the church office, serving on countless committees, and helping her neighbors and church friends.
Donna is thankful for her son Scott who also works in the music business, and who lives in the Atlanta, GA region with his wife Shawn, and Donna’s grandson Alexander.
