Alberta O Simmons

Alberta Oriole Simmons passed away peacefully Sunday July, 12, 2026 surrounded by her loving family at the age of 81. Alberta was born in Flint MI to her mother Oriole Reed McCain (nee Johnson) and her father George E McCain. Alberta was the middle child, having an older brother Wesley G. McCain and a younger brother Donald V. McCain.

Alberta was married to her devoted and loving husband Forrest L Simmons III for 61 years. The two were married in Pittsburg PA on August 14, 1965. Shortly after their marriage they relocated to San Diego, CA when Forrest was drafted into the United States Navy during the Vietnam war. It was there in San Diego were the two settled and had their son, Steven.

Alberta started her career at General Atomics in San Diego and would take management classes at National University at night. Alberta worked hard to become a finance and customer service manager. Alberta was known as a hard worker with a no-nonsense attitude who earned the respect of her coworkers.

Alberta was an avid reader and was often surrounded by books, finishing novels in just two days. She was a supporter of the Friends of the San Diego County Library.

Alberta loved collecting cookbooks and recipes. She often liked to experiment in the kitchen. Steven remembers one attempt at a Shepherd’s Pie that flopped epically. Although not all of her creations were successful, there was always love in each meal she made.

Alberta liked to play practical jokes on her brothers when they were younger, by turning pictures upside down and spitting cherry pits into the butter and blaming her brothers for the mischief. The antics continued into her adult years, finally confessing to some of her mischief in her late 70’s.

Alberta loved animals and had several pets over the years, including Pal the German Short-haired Pointer, Ginger the Cocker Spaniel, and Brownie the long-haired Dachshund. Alberta was a supporter of the Humane Society of the United States.

Alberta is survived by her husband Forrest Simmons, son Steven Simmons, son-in-law James “Collin” Trollinger of West Palm Beach, her brother Donald McCain and sister-in- law Kathy McCain of Nashville TN, her sister-in-law Norrene Storrie-McCain of Sarasota FL, her nieces Kim & Karla McCain, and her nephews Malcom, Weston & Colin McCain.

Love you mom!