Morris Allen Simms III

Born on January 26, 1954, in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, to the late Morris Allen Simms Jr. and A. Elizabeth Simms, Allen spent some of the happiest days of his childhood at his grandparents' home in Red Bank, New Jersey. It was there, under the influence of his grandfather P.L. Jones, that he developed a deep and lasting love for poetry, a passion that would remain with him throughout his life.

Allen graduated from Howard High School in 1971 and, shortly after, answered the call to serve his country in the United States Army from 1972 to 1975. His military service instilled in him a discipline and sense of purpose that defined every aspect of his life going forward.

Following a remarkable 35-year career at Verizon, Allen leaves behind a legacy of hard work and unwavering expertise. He was deeply passionate about his role in the telecommunications industry, witnessing decades of change and remaining a constant, dependable presence for his colleagues and his community. He took great pride in ensuring the world stayed connected, viewing his career not just as a job, but as a lifelong mission of service and reliability.

In July of 1992, Allen married Lupia Elizabeth Wilson, the love of his life. Their marriage became the centerpiece of their shared world; a bond of deep devotion and mutual admiration that enriched every day they spent together. Elizabeth and Allen meant the world to each other, and their partnership stood as a quiet testament to the power of commitment and love.

An avid health enthusiast, Allen maintained a regular gym schedule his entire adult life, a reflection of his belief in holistic medicine and his identity as a naturalist. He was also a devoted audiophile who took great pleasure in high quality audio equipment and immersed himself in the music he loved most: jazz, funk, R&B, and rock. Whether reading poetry, perfecting his sound system, or dedicating himself to his fitness, Allen pursued his passions with the same passion he brought to everything he loved.

Allen was preceded in death by his wife Lupia Elizabeth Wilson and his parents Morris Allen Simms Jr. and A. Elizabeth Simms. He is survived by his sister Tracy Simms and his brothers, Wayne Simms and Bruce Simms. He also leaves behind his sister's in-law Tiffany Simms and Tosha Simms; his cousins Frances Barnes, Lance Pettiford, and John Jones; his nieces Kelly Gray, Amanda Simms, and Sydney Simms, and his nephew Matthew Simms. Allen also leaves behind a host of extended family and friends who knew and loved him.

In closing, Allen's family shares these words that reflect the spirit in which he lived:

Do It Anyway.

People are often unreasonable, illogical, and self-centered - Forgive them anyway

If you are kind, people may accuse you of selfish ulterior motives - Be kind anyway

If you are successful, you will win some false friends and some true enemies - Succeed anyway

If you are honest and frank, people may cheat you - Be honest and frank anyway

What you spend years building; someone could destroy overnight - Build anyway

If you find serenity and happiness, they may be jealous - Be happy anyway

The good you do today, people will often forget tomorrow - Do good anyway

Give the world the best you have, and it may never be enough - Give the best you've got anyway

You see, in the final analysis it is between you and God - it was never between you and them anyway

Family will receive friends at Witzke Funeral Homes Inc., 5555 Twin Knolls Road, Columbia, MD 21045, on March 27, 2026, from 11:00 am to 1:00 pm, where a Memorial Service celebrating Allen's life will follow from 1:00 pm to 2:00 pm.