Gladys Simmons

Gladys Simmons was born October 23, 1927, to Steve Theophilus and Annie Jones in Ensley, Alabama being the fifth of sixth children. Gladys passed away at UAB West Hospital on August 16, 2011 in Bessemer, Alabama. She was preceded in death by her father, mother, her brothers, Theophilus and Robert and sisters, Johnnie and Rose. Gladys attended and graduated from Immaculata High School in Birmingham, Alabama. In 1948 she met and married Richard Simmons, Sr. in Alabaster, Alabama. To this union four children were born: Richard, Alfred, Welenda and Sonja. Gladys' spiritual awakening as a young girl led her to join the Freewill Baptist Church in Siluria, ALabama. She later united with the New Zion Baptist Church under the pastoral care of Reverend S.H. Ravizee where she served faithfully until her death. She leaves to cherish her memories: a loving and devoted husband, Richard Simmons; four children, Richard (Lucy), Alfred (Sharon), Walenda and Sonja; one brother, Garland Jones; one special grandson and primary caregiver, Marlon Simmons; one brother-in-law, Joe Nathan Jones; two sisters-in-law, Carolyn and Elizabeth Jones; six nephews, Robert Jones, Rod Jones, Willie Gillespie and Arthur, Warren and Ben Hill; four neices, Barbara Ann Kidd, Jessica Caddell, Linda Wormley and Sharon Harris; numerous cousins and a host of friends.