Branden Holbert Simmons

Branden Bernard Jessie Holbert Simmons, departed this life on Sunday, November 9, 2014. He was born April 2, 2001 in Peoria, Illinois, to Sharon Holbert, Lansing, Michigan and James Simmons Sr., St. Louis, Missouri. He was a student in the Lansing School District, most recently a student at Pattengill Middle School. As a young child growing up he loved basketball, especially the U of M Wolverines, playing video games, and he was an inquisitive nature loving explorer. He loved spending time with his Mother, Sharon—he was her protector. He also lovingly enjoyed the times he spent with his Father, James Simmons Sr. and his other siblings in St. Louis, Missouri and Arizona.

He was preceded in death by his paternal grandmother, Bessie Simmons; Aunt Annie Mae Wash; Aunt Lillie Mae Campbell; Uncle George Baugh; Uncles George and Peter Luckette, of Blythesville, Arizona.

He is survived by his loving Mother, Sharon Holbert, Lansing, Michigan; his Father, James Simmons Sr., St. Louis, Missouri; Grandmother, Betty Brisco, Lansing; Great-Grandmother, Dorothy Holbert, Lansing; his Sisters, Erika Singleton, Lansing, Rhonda (Duane) Branscumb, Denise Lewis and Jasmine Branch, St. Louis; his Brothers, Ronnie Simmons, James Fitz Simmons and Reggie Simmons, St. Louis; Step-sisters and brother, Tyree and LaToya Tate and A. J. Tate; Great-Aunt Louis Holbert, Lansing; Aunts Rose Binion and Martha Evans, Peoria; Uncles, James Baugh, David Gaston, and Edward Holbert, Lansing, Oliver Holbert, Rodney Hopkins, Alvin Dees, Peoria; Nieces, Dasia, Jasmyne, Kasey, Kyrsten, Maurnise, and Ronnia; Nephews, Chance, Courtland, Daivon, Devin, JayVon, Sebastian and Truth; and Godparents, Markus and Jessie Allen along with a host of cousins and many friends.