Marian Ray Simmons

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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