Marian Ray Simmons , 90 years of age passed on Sunday March 5, 2023 in Berkeley , California.
Marian was born October 13, 1932 in Yuba City, California to Leona and Alfred Vessell. Marian graduated from Yuba City High School in 1951.
Marian married the Calvin William Simmons Sr. in 1952 . Calvin and Marian were married 48 years .Six children were born from this union. Marian was a stay at home mother for many years .Marian focused her time and attention on keeping a good home for her family and raising her children . Marian was active in many community organizations such as the Parent Teachers Association and the March of Dimes.
As her children grew older , Marian continued her education by enrolling in Merritt College and California State University Hayward . Marian earned her Bachelors degree in childhood education from CSU Hayward.
Marian worked for many years as a teacher and education coordinator for Berkeley Head Start. One of her greatest joys was educating young children. Marian also was known to mentor many teachers within the head start system. Marian retired from Head Start to take care of her husband, Calvin William Simmons Sr. who had become ill.
Marian was a member of St.Pauls A.M.E. Church Berkeley, California . She served on the Board of Stewards until her health declined .
Marian was a loving sister, wife, mother, grandmother , aunt and friend. She was well respected by her friends and family and revered as a great woman. For many years ,Marian and Calvin hosted numerous family dinners in their Berkeley home. Everyone and anyone was always welcomed in their home.
Marian leaves to cherish her memory : Daughters Pamela Pearson , Sydney Simmons-Windham and Ann Simmons , sons Rodney Simmons and Raymond Simmons , granddaughter Tasha Thomas ,one sister Odessa Crawford Jackson, one brother Isaac Crawford. A host of Nieces , Nephews ,Cousins and In-laws of the Simmons, Crawford and Vessell families and a host of friends .
Forever in her memory are those who proceeded her in death : Husband Calvin William Simmons Sr, son Calvin William Simmons Jr. , grandson Byron Kenneth Pearson.
Although we must say goodbye, we have many many good memories to hold on to . You have touched our lives in such a way that we will never be the same .You have truly been a wonderful mother to us . We have only one regret , the time we shared was not long enough.
Pamela, Rodney, Sydney, Raymond, Ann , and Tasha
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