On July 24, 1940, Bobbie was born in Shreveport, LA. She is the youngest child of Vera and Memphis Simmons. She lived in Detroit, MI with her parents and later moved to Austin, TX, where she attended Old Anderson High School. She met and married Charles W. Coley, and completed her High School education in San Diego, CA after his deployment with the US Marine Corps.
She moved to several states supporting her husband and his military career for 20 years, as she raised their two children Debra and Travis. While stationed in Phoenix, AZ Bobbie and Charles were foster parents to several children, in hopes to leaving a positive impact on other children.
Bobbie moved back to Austin, Texas and began her career working as a physical therapist aide for 13 years at Easter Seals and then a second career with airport security at Robert Muller Municipal Airport.
Bobbie was a dedicated to the care of her Mother Vera Alexander, until her passing in 2002.
Everyone who knew and loved Bobbie knew her children and grandchildren were her greatest joy and priority. She loved all of her extended family which included her Nieces, Nephews and dear family friends. When Bobbie was not in town, she could usually be found on the road to one of her favorite casinos.
Bobbie was preceded in death by her parents, Memphis Simmons and Vera Alexander and brother, Jerome Simmons. Those left to cherish her memory include her daughter, Debra Williams (Theo) of Austin; son, Travis Coley of Austin; granddaughters, Courtney Govea of Austin and Marissa Gomez (Roger) of San Antonio; grandson, Nicolas Acosta-Coley of Austin; four great grandchildren and a host of other nieces, nephews, cousins, relatives and friends.
