B. Lucille Simmons

B. Lucille "Butch"/"Sweetie" Reeves-Simmons was born to Emmanuel
Wendell Reeves "EW" and Marie Gladys Singleton Reeves "Shorty" on July 15, 1932 in Tillman, Mississippi. Being the 2nd daughter and 3rd oldest of 13 children,she assumed the role of care-taker for the younger siblings. In June of 1946 at theripe age of 14, she caught the train to Oakland, California to live with her big sister,Ruby. She enrolled in Oakland Technical High School, an integrated school for the firsttime and graduated in 1949. She attended business school for one year and waslater employed at the Naval Supply Center from March 1951-1965. Lucille began her faith at an early age. She was an active member of Antioch Baptist Church, Oakland, CA; and St. Matthews Baptist Church, Merced, California; as well as a visitor of Eastern Hills Community Church, Centennial,Colorado. Lucille always put her family first and was a devoted Christian. The hymns she would hum throughout the day reminded us that God was always present in her heart.She married Earl Simmons and they have four adorable children: Sharon Simmons-Heppner (Claus), Edward Simmons (Janice), Trina Simmons-DeLoach (Dale), and Denise McCutchen-Tatum (Jack). Grandchildren: Shani Hilliard, Christopher Simmons, Jaylen DeLoach-Martin, Jestynn Tatum, Samuel Tatum, a great-grandchild, Travon Wilkerson, and special daughters accepted by the family,Kathryn Turner and granddaughter Hanifah Turner. In the 1960s the Simmons' family established residence in Puerto Rico where Lucille worked in Civil Engineering at Ramey AFB. During this time, some of her travels included Germany, Philippines, Haiti, Paris, Greece, Japan, Canada, Hawaii and St. Thomas. Early on Lucille experienced some discriminatory employment practices that encouraged her to request a Technical Review in which she carried it to the highest level - the Department of Defense. Lucille eventually moved up in rank to become Supervisor of the Administrative Branch where at times she would meet with Commanders, Colonels, Majors, Captains, and Directors in place of her boss. She was the only woman and the only African American in the meetings where she enjoyed the challenges and was very successful.
After 38+ years, she retired from the Department of Defense with a rank equivalentto a Major. Subsequently she re-entered the work force and worked at Mile HiCablevision and TCI, Inc., and part-time at H & R Block for a total of 48 years andeight months of service. When Earl retired from the United States Air Force on December 31, 1971, he and Lucille settled in Denver, Colorado where they lived for 36 years with a brief stay in Las Vegas, NV for four years. While in Las Vegas, they longed for their family. They decided to move back to Colorado where they took up residence in the city of Centennial. Lucille was exuberant since all of her children, grandchildren and great grandson were all within minutes away. Her daughter Trina moved her family from Jackson, Mississippi to be close to her family as well as providing care for her mom and dad. Known to her family as "Sweetie" and "Butch" – she was an incredible God fearing woman, confidant, mentor and just a pure joy to be around! The love you received from her kitchen was just too much for words! Lucille was known to make frequent surprise visits to California and other states to celebrate birthdays, Thanksgiving,retirements, or just to be a part of the Family Reunions. She didn't let any ailments stop her. Her hobbies included cooking, reading, traveling and shopping. She was an avid Denver Broncos and Nuggets fan.
The "L" in her name meant more than just Lucille. She "Lived", she "Led", she "Laughed" and she most certainly "Loved". Life's journey may have brought her complications but she always prevailed. Her unique persona, words of wisdom and strength were only just a few of her qualities. Her strength and independence was only a portion of gifts that she shared with others. She always spoke kind words and had some wit to share. She didn't mind speaking her heart, so if you heard sayings like "I'm gonna knock you out" you always knew that you were in her heart. Lucille was preceded in death by her Father Emmanuel Wendell Reeves, Mother Marie Gladys Reeves, Sisters, Ruby Carminer, Carrie Williams, Jennie Ruth Harris, and Brothers, Samuel J. Reeves, and Bennie L. Reeves. On October 4th, 2012 at 11:05 am Lucille was called to her heavenly home. She leaves to mourn her husband, Earl D. Simmons; her children, grand and great grand children, two sisters, Wanda J. Wade and Doris M. Reeves, five brothers, Dewey A. Reeves, Emmanuel W. Reeves Jr., Dannie R. Reeves, David S. Reeves, and Levi J. Reeves, nieces, nephews, and a grand host of other family and friends.