Shirley Ann Simmons Sims
08/03/1945 - 10/26/2020
Shirley Ann Simmons-Sims was born on August 3, 1945, in Talladega, AL to the parentage of Robert Simmons and Erie M. Simmons. She was the oldest of four children from that union, Alene (Kitty), Pearl Elaine, and Deborah Jean.
Shirley was a product of Talladega City Schools and graduated fifth in her class from Westside High School in 1963 where she was as a "proud" cheerleader for her school. Her academic accomplishments include a Bachelor of Arts Degree from Talladega College; a Master of Arts Degree in Special Education from the University of Alabama; a Special Education AA degree in Special Education from the University of Alabama; Educational Specialist (ED.S) degree from Jacksonville State University; and has done additional studies in English at Howard University, Washington, D.C.
Ms. Simmons-Sims has served as an English and Social Studies teacher and Chair of the Special Education Department for the Talladega City Board of Education as well as Adjunct Professor of English at Talladega College.
Ms. Simmons-Sims is a member of several educational civic organizations, including: Alabama Education Association; National Education Association; Member of the Talladega Education Association; County Retired Teachers Association; Council of Exceptional Children; State of Alabama Certified Psychometrics; All State School Board; Served as Chairperson of Title IX (Discrimination Committee) Talladega High School; and was a Protective Officer (Alabama Teacher’s Association). Ms. Simmons-Sims served on the Talladega City Board of Education as Chair from August, 1999-2019.
She was also a member of the Order of Eastern Star Ethel Chapter #75; T.J. Tolliver Court #5, Heroines of Jericho (HOJ); Zipporah Court #2, Ladies of the Circle of Perfection (LOCOP); Love and Unity Court #45, Order of Cyrene Crusaders; Clayton Pearson Assembly #202, Order of the Golden Circle. Shirley was always civically engaged and active in numerous organizations to name a few: Life Member of Palmer Lee Taylor AMVET Auxiliary of Post #25; Elks Alabama State Association Trustee Board Member; National Association for the Advancement of Colored People; Steering Committee of Talladega 2000 Commission; Talladega Democratic Conference; Past Cheaha Mental Health Board of Directors; Past Secretary of the Lions Club; Talladega College Alumni Association; Past Basileus of Epsilon Upsilon Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.; Vice Basileus of Theta Kappa Zeta Chapter of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc.; Westside High School Alumni Association; Talladega College Alumni Association; Member of the “Dega Divas” Class of Talladega College and Charter member of the “Vivacious ‘Dega’ Red Hatters”.
On November 18, 1989 she married Horace Edgar Sims of Ashland, AL. They were married for 27 years. Ms. Simmons-Sims was a faithful and engaged member of the Mount Canaan Baptist Church where she served as a member of the Mass and Inspirational Choirs, Deaconess and Assistant Sunday School and Bible Study teacher.
Shirley Simmons-Sims departed this life on October 26, 2020 and leaves to cherish her memory many loved ones that include: sister, Pearl Elaine Smith of Lincoln, AL; sister, Deborah Simmons-Jones (Houston) of Talladega, AL; sister, Mary Oden of Talladega, AL; brother, Michael Swain of Virginia; adopted son, Dr. William David Scott of Atlanta, GA; a special friend and teacher, Mrs. Rachel Pace-Jones, of Atlanta, GA, and a host of nieces, nephews, great-nieces, great-nephews, god children, cousins, other relatives and cherished friends. Preceded in death by her parents, Robert and Erie Simmons; sister, Alene Kitty Simmons of Detroit, MI; sister, Bobbie Jean of Alpine, AL; brother, Gregory Oden of Columbus, SC.
Shirley Simmons-Sims personified true grit and determination in all endeavors. And while often quoting Langston Hughes: “Life for me ‘ain’t’ been no crystal stair”. She will be missed.