Herbert Lee Simmons

Herbert Lee Simmons was born March 17, 1929 in Emporia, Virginia to the late James (Jim) and Ruth Ann Moore Simmons. Herbert was the last of 11 children born to his parents. Herbert was preceded in death by his brothers, Johnnie Moore, John, James, William, Albert, and Jessie Simmons; and his sisters, Missouri Carey, Pernell Carpenter, and Alice Moore. The family resided in Greensville County Virginia where he attended public school. At an early age, Herbert accepted Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior and joined the Salem Baptist Church. He became a member of the choir and sang along with his older sister, Alice.

Herbert’s employment journey led him to Baltimore, Maryland where he worked as a ceramic tile setter before he joined his brothers, Albert and George, at Bethlehem Steel Company in Sparrows Point, Maryland. During his 39 years at Bethlehem Steel, he was an active union member and for a period of time he served as the Shop Steward for the union. In addition to his regular employment, Herbert was an avid gardener. He was recognized by the Howard County Gardeners Association as one of its most prominent horticulturalist. He also served as the president of the association. Herbert was popular with his family and friends for his Labor Day cookout each year which featured vegetables he had grown in his garden.

On June 23, 1956, God joined Herbert L. Simmons and Marion L. Idlitt together in holy matrimony. To this union, no children were born. In the truest sense, they were one of the closest married couples around. You did not see one without the other. For the past 57 years, they have been each other’s best friend. As a husband, Herbert was loyal, loving, caring, and committed. Even when his health began to decline, he was concerned about his beloved Marion.

Herbert’s personality was always kind, pleasant, and jovial. He was affectionately known for his smile. When he smiled, he made everyone around him smile too. He truly was a joy to be around because he filled a room with laughter with his charm and witty remarks. He was also known as a dapper dresser. He liked to look good in his clothes; and, he did.

Herbert departed to live eternally with the Lord on Tuesday morning, November 19, 2013. He will be missed but never forgotten by his wife, Marion Idlitt Simmons of Columbia, his brother George Simmons of Baltimore, a devoted nephew Alfred Nathaniel Simmons of Baltimore, and a host of nieces, nephews, relatives and friends; among them, his very caring long time next door neighbors, Dennis and Diane Dunn.

Family and friends are invited to gather at Gary L. Kaufman Funeral Home at Meadowridge Memorial Park, 7250 Washington Blvd., Elkridge, MD on Tuesday, November 26, 2013 from 3 -6 p.m., where funeral service will be held on Wednesday, November 27, 2013 at 11 a.m., interment will follow in Meadowridge Memorial Park, Elkridge, MD.

Contributions may be made in his memory to: Alzheimer’s Association, www.alz.org