In Memory of

Jesse

Simmons

Obituary for Jesse Simmons

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Jesse Simmons was born on April 30, 1938 in Charleston, S.C. to the late Abraham and Richardine Simmons. He was the youngest of six children. Jesse departed this life on Friday, April 1, 2022 at the University of Maryland Capital Region Hospital.

As a teenager his family moved to Washington, D.C., where he met his first love and neighbor Lenora Kinard. They were married on April 5, 1958. From this union two children were born, daughter LaTanya and son Jeffery.
Jesse was a hardworking, caring man always working two jobs to provide for his family. He started his career with the District of Columbia Public School System (DCPS) in 1960. He studied extremely hard to achieve his engineering license. During this time, he was working part time six days a week at Frank’s liquor store located at the corner of Georgia Avenue and Harvard St. N.W., Washington.

In later years, he left DCPS to work full time becoming a business partner at the store. During the April 1968 riots, the store was unscaved due to his partnership in the business. When the store closed in 1976, Jesse resumed his career with DCPS. He was awarded many awards for outstanding performance during his tenure. Jesse was blessed to retire in the late 1990’s from DCPS.

Jesse was well read in current events and an avid sport enthusiast, he enjoyed watching football, basketball and baseball games. He loved the “Redskins” now known as the Washington Commanders. He was well versed on the statistics for individual players and teams. Jesse was an outgoing fun loving person, family oriented he loved spending time with family and friends. He enjoyed “oldies but goodies” music. In his hay days, he was known to cut a rug on the dance floor. He was the life of the party! While enjoying retirement in 2007, he began his fellowship with a group named the “Fellas.” He participated in the many social activities that they had. He especially looked forward to their Monday gatherings where delicious food was always served. Jesse was preceded in death by his five brothers Johnny, Henry, Abraham, Jackie, George Simmons and sister Evelyn Rich.

Jesse leaves to cherish his memory wife Lenora Simmons of more than 63 years, devoted daughter LaTanya Clavon Booker (Charles Sr.) affectionately called “Tiny” by her dad, son Jeffery Lewis Simmons (Suzanne), brother Alonzo Simmons, sister MaryAnn Manigault (Harry), sister-in-law Clavon Kinard, brother-in-law James L. Taylor (Fannie) and Garry Kinard. Grandchildren LaTasha Johnson (Willie), Racharde (Shenise) Bush, Shaun Simmons, Charles Booker Jr., Martin Booker (Shannon) and Angel Booker. Great grandchildren Alexis Simmons, Simeon Johnson, Uriah Johnson, Sariyah Taylor-Bush and Noah Taylor-Bush. A long time loyal friend Charles Cuffie and a host of nieces, nephews, friends including the Fellas.
Jesse was an awersome man and will be truly missed by many.