Beatrice S. Simmons

Beatrice Sloan Simmons of Newark, Delaware, formerly of Springfield, Illinois, went home to be with the Lord at her residence on Saturday, July 19, 2008, two weeks shy of her 100th birthday. Her family was at her bedside when she passed away.

Bee, or Grandma Bee to her grandchildren and numerous international students at the University of Delaware, was born in Urbana, IL, August 2, 1908 to William F. Sloan and Myrtle Cannon Sloan, the 5th of 6 children, all of whom predeceased her. She was a graduate of the University of Illinois. In 1933 she married LeRoy Vernon Simmons, Jr., also a graduate of the University of Illinois, who predeceased her in 1946.

Mrs. Simmons was a member of the First Presbyterian Church of Springfield, Illinois FU chapter of P.E.O Sisterhood, and Gamma Phi Beta Sorority. Prior to her retirement in 1971, she served as Audio-Visual director at the IL State Office of Public instruction and the IL State Library. Since 2001 she has resided in Newark, Delaware with her daughter and son-in-law, Ande (Andrea) and Jim Thomas who survive her. She is also survived by a granddaughter, Kirsti S. Thomas and husband W. Jherek Swanger of Tacoma, WA, grandson William M. Thomas and wife Dr. Kathleen Therrien of Mufreesboro, TN, great Granddaughter Eleanor Swanger of Tacoma, WA, one nephew and 2 nieces.

A memorial service is planned for Saturday, August 2, 2008, at 2 p.m. at the Evangelical Presbyterian Church, 308 Possum Park Road, Newark, Delaware, to celebrate her 100th birthday. Funeral service will be held Tuesday, August 5, 2008 at 11 a.m. at First Presbyterian Church, Springfield, IL with visitation one hour prior to service at church. Burial will follow at Oak Ridge Cemetery.

Memorials may be made to the Organ Maintenance Fund at First Presbyterian Church 321 S. 7th St., Springfield, IL.