Gloria Constance Simms

Gloria Constance Simms was born on March 8, 1930 in Cleveland, Ohio. She was the oldest of three daughters born to Luther Arthur Wells and Thelma Eliza Adams. Her siblings are Dolores Yvonne Bowers and Luellen Ann Grays. Gloria was preceded in death by her parents, her sister Dolores, Dolores’ son David Wells Bowers, and her husband of 49 years, Emmett Simms. They will all be awaiting her in heaven.

Gloria was very ambitious and greatly valued her education. She obtained a Bachelor of Science in Sociology at Ohio State University. Shortly after graduation, she was united in marriage with Emmett Simms on Thanksgiving Day in 1953. Their first child was Geoffrey Crawford Simms and their daughter Lesley Elise Simms arrived three years later. Gloria was able to successfully balance family life and education. She went on to receive a double Masters at Governor’s State University in Illinois. She was proud of her expertise in Elementary Education and Library Sciences. Gloria established a thriving career as a valued school teacher and innovative Media Specialist with the Chicago Board of Education and Hilton Head Elementary School. She worked diligently for many years and received several awards of excellence for her service. She retired in 1995 on Hilton Head Island, South Carolina.

Throughout her adult life, Gloria was a trusted friend to many. Gloria enjoyed family life, the beauty of the outdoors, literature, entertaining films, shopping experiences, utilizing her cookbooks, and traveling. She remained very active in many social organizations. Gloria was an active member of the sorority Alpha Kappa Alpha, The Links (the Chicago and Savannah Chapters), The Couples Club, and The Sea Island Friends. She and her husband were also honored to be founding members at Island Lutheran Church.

Our beloved Gloria Constance Simms passed away on April 2, 2013. She is survived by her immediate family and a network of extended family. Her children are Geoffrey Crawford Simms and Lesley Elise Simms. Geoffrey’s children are twins Ariana Gloria Simms and Sophia Diandra Simms. Lesley’s children are Sasha Constance Brown and Melia Elise Spearman. Gloria’s devoted sister Luellen and her husband Douglas Grays lived with her in Olive Branch, Mississippi and cared for her at the time of her passing. Luellen’s daughters are Stephanie Wells Whatley and Kelly Sicard Jackson. Stephanie has a son, John Dumari Moore. Kelly’s children are Daniel Charles Sicard and Dominique Stephanie Sicard. Gloria’s niece is Deidre Lynne Smith, the daughter of her deceased sister Dolores. Deidre’s children are David George Smith and Jennyfer Bantu Smith. Gloria also leaves behind a loyal and faithful “puppy-girl” named Bonnie May-bell Simms. Gloria’s loving and vital presence will be missed by all who knew her.

Humbly submitted,

Sasha C. Brown, on behalf of her family and loved ones