Barbara J. Simms

Barbara Jean Simms, fondly known as Jean by family and friends was born on September 15, 1945 to the late Abraham Simms and Rosa Simms Dixon (nee Carter) in Baltimore, Maryland. She wanted to remain in her home with the help of family, friends, and the Gilchrist Hospice Program. She transitioned peacefully from her earthly home to her heavenly home on Saturday, December 14.2019.

The only child of Abraham and Rosa, she was raised by her mother and stepfather Charles Dixon (aka Charlie). From this union, she was blessed with the addition of three brothers Charles Jr., George and Lee. She also gained siblings from her father Abraham and his wife Lillian. Jean developed a closer relationship with her father and the Simms siblings later in life and looked forward to their gatherings.

Jean had a memorable childhood growing up on Llewelyn Avenue, a small street in East Baltimore. The residents had a strong sense of community and you were family-either by blood or friendship. They provided a safe place for the children to grow, learn, and play. As a result of their upbringing, Jean developed and maintained several lifelong friendships.

Jean received her education in the Baltimore City Public School System. She stopped school as a result of becoming a young mother, but later returned to night school to pursue her general education diploma (GED). Jean retired from the Baltimore City Public School System as a custodian after thirty years of service. Following her retirement, she received a certification as a home health provider. Her work with several clients allowed them to receive in-home care instead of going to a nursing home. She brightened the lives of her clients and their families.

Jean’s early Christian experience was at Christ United Methodist Church. There, she received and accepted Jesus Christ as her personal savior. As a young adult, she visited several smaller churches but knew she had found her home at First Apostolic Faith Church under Bishop Winfield Showell. She loved bible study and participated in the Senior Outreach Program. Jean enjoyed traveling to religion conferences where the workshops and sermons renewed her faith and inspired her to become a Christian disciple. She loved gospel singing and the teachings of Joyce Meyers.

Jean had two sons Rennard “Poopie” Simms and Kevin Simms. Her mother Rosa was very instrumental in helping raise them, making them a close-knit family. Jean’s grandchildren and great-grandchildren called her “Nana” and were truly the light of her life. They lived with her and flourished under her love and kind spirit. Her home was always a haven for her grandkids and their friends.

Jean had a sweet and warm spirit that only God could have created. One of her most memorable features was her wide beautiful smile; It truly lit up the room. She could strike up a conversation with anyone, you had no choice but to smile with her. She treated everyone with respect and love. She was always kind and generous. She was often questioned for giving people her last, but she always said, “The Lord will make a way” and He always did. Jean was one of the most non-confrontational people you would ever meet. She would always strive for peace and calm. She never had anything bad to say about anyone, and she rarely said no. 

Jean was an excellent cook, who wasn’t afraid to try new recipes. She was renowned for her sweet potato pie and spaghetti. She was an amazing seamstress and she loved to sing, dance, and shop. She spent many pleasurable hours shopping and browsing retail stores and thrift stores, or the food markets with her friends. She especially loved to shop with Clara. She loved bragging about the accomplishments of her grandchildren and others. She was just as excited as they were.

Jean truly believed in the Lord and claimed her victory over her cancer, be it through healing or receiving her crown in Glory. In the end, her faith never wavered. The strength and peace she had was embodied in her calm demeanor. She said, “I’m ok” and proved it was “Well with her soul”. Jean will be missed by all who knew and loved her.

The following preceded Jean in death: Rosa and Charlie Dixon, Abraham and Lillian Simms, Blue Ivy Simms (great-Granddaughter), George Dixon (Brother), and a special friend James Jackson.

Memories of Jean will always be cherished in the hearts of her sons: Rennard and Kevin, Her grandchildren: Taneka Simms, Tanell Simms, and Skiler Savoy: her great-grandchildren: Ki’Asia Washington, Shinya Simms, Michael Hunter, Autumn Hunter, and Mason Simms; brother; Charles Dixon Jr.(Vecchionia), Lee Earnest Dixon (Rozena), Robert Cooper(Minnie) and Gerald Cooper; sisters Cynthia Cooper, Ernestine Stanley (James), Minnie James(Troy),and Adrian Cooper; Sisters in law: Diane Dixon and Robin Brown, and special friends: Clara Myers, Doris Talley, Rosetta (Judy), Ervin and Delores (Lorcie) Williams; and a host of aunts, nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.

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