Elizabeth Simmons

Affectionately known as Bess or Liz, was born March 19,1932 in Ethel, Louisiana. She was the daughter of the late Henry Scott and Lillian Thompson Scott and was raised and educated in Baton Rouge, Louisiana. She was an active member of Greater Beach Grove Baptist Church.

While living in Baton Rouge at the young age of 13, she was employed at Kean Cleaners as a Wool Textile worker. Liz was always a hard worker. At the age of 17 she met and married Louis C Simmons. From this union she gave birth to one son, Louis C Simmons Jr. They later relocated to Marin County, California to be near her husband’s family.

After a few years of marriage, the couple separated and Liz moved to San Francisco, CA.

While living in San Francisco she was employed as a care provider for children with special needs, a job that she loved. She then changed her employment to Custodial services. It was at this time she met her loving lifelong companion Johnny Wingfield. Liz also became an avid bowler with the Pacesetters women’s bowling league and a faithful member of True Gospel Missionary Baptist Church.

Liz was devoted to her family and helped raise her grandchildren. During the 1980s she relocated to Berkeley, CA to be near her brother Henry. In her later senior years in 2014 she moved to Madonna House in Fredericksburg, VA to be closer to family. While residing at Madonna House she attended social events and made several friends.

Special memories her family will cherish were visiting at her home, family BBQs, going to church, shopping, and eating at her favorite restaurants. She loved listening to music while cleaning her home, even at the age of 88 she always wanted everything to be clean and tidy.

She is survived by a daughter-in-law, Blanche Simmons and a granddaughter, Jade Simmons of Sacramento, CA; her grandson, Louis C Simmons III (Shya) of Fredericksburg, VA; nieces Terri Scott Stewart (Alex) of Baton Rouge, LA, Romy Scott Harris (Rene’) of Manassas, VA; great nephew, Aaron Harris; great-grandchildren, Raven and Apollo and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

In addition to her parents, she was preceded in death by her husband, Louis C Simmons Sr; her son, Louis C Simmons Jr; great-grandson Louis C Simmons IV; her brothers Dr. Louis Scott and Henry Scott Jr, two sister in laws, Louisa and Dorothy Scott, and her companion, Johnny Wingfield.

The family would like to thank the staff at Woodmont Center for the wonderful care that Elizabeth received in the last year of her life. Due to the present COVID-19 restrictions, services celebrating her life for family and friends will be private.