Loretta Bolden-Simmons

Loretta was born January 29, 1952, to David and Annie Bolden in Bay Minette, Alabama. She was the sixth of eleven girls born to this union.

Loretta, as a child, attended Zion Fountain A.M.E. Church where she began her relationship with the Lord Jesus Christ. After moving to Chicago as an adult she united with First Baptist Congregational Church to continue her relationship with the Lord. She and her family were all baptized at First Baptist Congregational Church.

While growing up in Stockton, Alabama Loretta attended and graduated from Douglasville High School where she was a cheerleader and ran track. After moving to Chicago, she attended Roosevelt University where she received her associate degree.

Loretta began her professional career at Johnson Elementary School on the Westside of Chicago as a teacher assistant in 1971. She moved on to Hess Upper Grade Center and later transferred to Collins High School where she met her future husband, Eugene Simmons. Loretta retired from Whitney Young High School where she was loved by students, staff, and parents.

In 1974, Loretta was blessed with her first son, David. In 1981, Loretta married Eugene Simmons, and to this union was born, Jawara Simmons.

Loretta loved to entertain friends. There were few things she enjoyed more than opening her and her husband's home to church friends, especially the marriage ministry. She also enjoyed vacationing with their friends, Reverend Ray and Pat, Deacon Fred and Pat, and Walter and Dorothy.

The Lord called Loretta home on May 8, 2023, after serving faithfully in the Lord's vineyard.

Loretta was preceded in death by her beloved grandfather and grandmother; father, David Bolden; mother, Annie Bolden; sisters, Mary Ann and Antinette Bolden, and Rosetta Williams.

Loretta leaves to cherish her memory her husband, Dr. Eugene Simmons; her sons, David Bolden, and Jawara Simmons; and her adorable grandson, Elias Simmons; her sisters, Annie Thomas, Dorothy Hull, Laverne Boykins, Regina (Anthony) Thomas, David Arlene (Curtis) Gray, Debra (David) Stapleton, Vernice (Ronald) Singleton; one uncle, Lawrence Yates; one aunt, Margarie Yates; her best friend from high school, Darnell Cooke; a great many nieces, nephews, and cousins, and too many friends, co-workers, brothers and sisters in Christ to name.

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