Joe Mulch Bobby Simms

Joe Bobby Simms, born on April 12, 1944, departed this life on Saturday, December 6, 2014. Joe the son of the late Laura Hutcherson and Bonnie Simms. Joe was preceded in death by four of his siblings, William Simms, Melvin Simms, Betty Jean Simms and Richard Hutcherson.

Joe graduated in 1962 from German Township HS in McClelland town, PA. Either before or after graduation from high school, Joe took to the “chittlin circuit” singing gospel songs in a gospel quartet, of course this did not last very long because this was the time when young men were drafted in the service, so In August, 1962, Joe enlisted in the Army and was honorably discharged July 1971 to accept employment as a Public Police Officer. While enlisted he received several medals: Good Conduct Medal; National Defense Service medal; Vietnam Service Medal; Republic Vietnam Campaign medal and Meritorious Unit Commendation.

1971 was the beginning of his career as police officer with the DC Metropolitan Police Department where he served the citizens of Washington, DC in the 4th District for 15 years. When he and his fellow Officer friends got together, oh the stories they did tell, but Joe loved to tell this one story that was supposed to have played a major role in his decision to retire. The story involves his partner Donald Yates, where during an altercation with criminal(s) shots were fired. Now Joe and Don have told the story a little differently, Joe remembers it as the “day he saved Don’s life” and on the anniversary date (August 26th) he never missed the opportunity to call Don to remind him of how he wouldn't’t be here if it had not been for him saving his life that day. Now Don on the other hand remembers the story just a bit different.

Joe loved his family, Teryce and Christian regularly received his praises, and his wrath when they deserved it according to him. He was as proud as a peacock when Teryce was ordained as a Minister, and when she was inducted into Kappa Delta Pi; and when Christian joined the US Marine Corp. He loved telling his wife “Fishy or Fish cakes” as he loved to call her, how to drive, cook and even attempt to decorate the house. The agreement was set then that he would take care of the outside and she would take care of the inside. This didn’t last but for so long, because he would try to slip something into the house that didn’t match anything. But through it all they played well together. Joe also loved messing with his future son in law Jay about being a Baltimore Ravens fan since his rival team was the Pittsburgh Steelers.

He was also very active in the lives of his Brother Melvin’s children (Sherri, Karen, Tudy and Aishia) but we cannot forget Sheree, his great niece and favorite (as she says. He loved each of them and did what he could for them to include giving them stern advice when he felt it was warranted. They all took it in stride because they knew that their Dad and/or Uncle Bobby would always be there for them.

He leaves to cherish his memories his loving wife, Felicia Williams-Simms, daughter, Teryce Simms, Son, Christian Canada. Brother, Larry Hutcherson, Brother-in-laws: James Williams, Fred Oliver, Darious Oliver (Jean), Lucious B. Oliver (Malinda), James Phillip Oliver (Janice). Sister-in-law: Leonette Terry Petway (Michael) nieces: Sherri Wells-Miller, Karen Wells-McGregory, Keyarra “Tudy” Clarett, Aishia P. Simms, Masonne Sawyer (Kevan), Tanisha, Christina, Tiffany, Tamara Oliver, Corrine Williams; nephew, Craig Parham, Lucious Oliver II (Chezere): great-niece Sheree Miller Ross (Lakeisha) and a host of other relatives and friends.

Order of Service

Officiate – Lucious B. Oliver

Processional …………………………………………………………..,………………………………………….

Prayer…………….…............................................................................................ …. Rev. Francine Vinson

Scripture:

Psalm 23 …………………………………….…….................…..…………… Rev. Sylvia McDonald-Kaufman

Faith United Church of Christ

I Thes. 4:13-18……………………………………………………................………………Pastor Michelle Leak

Lighthouse Pentecostal Church

John 14: 1 – 3 …………………………………………………..........………………. Elder Lucious B. Oliver, II

Song ……………………………………………………..………......……….………… James Oliver & Family

Acknowledgments …………………………………………….........……………………………. Asmara Sium

Remarks/Expressions … . . . . …. . . . ………………..............………………… . . . . . . Family and Friends

(Please limit to 2 minutes or less)

Obituary (Read Silently) . . . . . . . . . . . . . ..................……………………………. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .

Solo . . . . ………………………... . . . . . . . . . . . . Just As I Am….............………………. Teryce D. Simms

Eulogy . . . …………………………………......…. …….......……… ... . . . . . . Evangelist Teryce D. Simms

Benediction ………………………………………………………......……….. Rev. Sylvia McDonald-Kaufman

Recessional…………………………………………........…..…………………… . . . . . . . . Going Up Yonder

Interment ……………………………………….…………........……………………….. Elder Lucious B. Oliver