Joseph Simms Obituary

SIMMS, JOSEPH EDWARD ZASTROW, was born on May 15, 1934, in Annapolis, Maryland to Sherman and Beatrice Simms. He was called home to his place of eternal rest on Monday, April 15, 2013, after fighting a courageous fight and finally succumbing to congestive heart failure. Left to cherish his memories are his wife, Mary Lou Simms; daughter, Desiree Simms; son, Derek Simms; stepdaughter, Mary Ellen Martini; three grandchildren, three great-grandchildren; two brothers, Rev. Charles Simms and Isaac Johnson (Marlene); two sisters, Shirley Wells and Joyce Ann Forrester; a devoted niece and caretaker, Stacey Gaskin; and a host of nieces, nephews, other relatives and friends. There will be a Musical Celebration 7:00 p.m., Friday, April 19 at the Maryland Hall for the Creative Arts, where the services will be held Saturday, April 20 with Viewing 9:00 a.m.-11:00 a.m., Christian Wake 10:30 a.m. and Funeral at 11:00 a.m. Interment Brewer Hill Cemetery.

Published by The Capital on Apr. 18, 2013.
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Memories and Condolences
for Joseph Simms

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Gone but not forgotten!

Cyntha C Herndon

Friend

April 12, 2023

Gone but not forgotten

Angela hebron

Friend

April 25, 2020

I've missed you and Desi in my life , love to the family and our community, Faith Commodore

Faith

Friend

April 12, 2019

We just learned of the passing of Zastrow, and are deeply saddened. He was special to us and so many people, and will be sorely missed. He was a shining light to all. We loved him even more, because he was a Dallas Cowboys fan. We should all carry on his legacy of caring and sharing. Please accept our heartfelt sympathy.
God bless.

Linda & Mark Washington

April 30, 2013

To the Family Zastrow was the best friend one could ever have. The community has lost one of its greatest soldiers. There is gap in our lives that will take time to heal. Trust and believe that only God can help us all through this healing.
With sincere concern and understanding,
Sylvia Hill

April 28, 2013

To Mary Lou and the family of Zastrow Simms. My family and I are saddened by his passing. Our thoughts and prayers are with you at this difficult time. I will miss his visits to my shop for his colorful outfits and accessories which he was known for. He was truly a "dapper dresser." The most notable memories will be as a humanitarian and for his love of family and friends.

Gloria Brown, L&G Boutique

April 23, 2013

In loving memory of a wonderful person. We will love you and miss you always.

Mr.& Mrs. Windell Williams

April 20, 2013

To the Family of Joseph E.(Zastro) Simms, He excelled to many endeavors in life. Always willing to help when ask! Especially for the young kids, Trips to ballgames and shows. He will be sorely miss by many.
Charles (Cheese) Powell

Charles Powell Sr

April 20, 2013

Another great man has entered heavens gate.

stacey rice

April 20, 2013

Fine men like Mr. Simms are few and far between anymore....my thoughts are with those who loved him.

April 20, 2013

To the family I send my deepest sympathy, you are all in my prayers.I remember the old days at Carrs Beach.With me my Mother, Nancy Queen,an half of Annapolis,just having fun. God Bless.

Artha Lee & Sherman Brown

April 20, 2013

To the family of Zastrow, we wish to express our sympathy for your loss and to let you know our thoughts are with you. He will be truly missed.

mike and charmaine branch

April 20, 2013

To the Family
May the love and comfort of the Lord rest upon you and my deepest sympathy. love, Earline

April 20, 2013

sending this message with tears in my eyes.
Zastrow you were one of a kind. a lot of my good days growing up was because of you... Orioles,bullets,colts,concerts and more.. I have a special place in my heart for you.. rest in peace my friend..

kent Barnard

April 20, 2013

God bless the family

Sherre and jaiden Owens

April 19, 2013

To the Family: Please know that my thoughts and prayers are with you. Zastrow was such a vital part of the Annapolis community. More than that he was a friend, and if he called you "friend" you were a friend for life. My mind goes back to the "good old days" at the Stanton Center. WOW!!! He will be sorely missed by all who knew and loved him. I pray that good thoughts and fond memories will keep him close in your hearts. I also pray that God, with His peace that passes all understanding, will sustain you always (especially now).

Ronale (Ronnie) Young-Smith

April 19, 2013

Family,

Our hearts and prayers go out to you. We can't say that we know of anyone who was more loved and popular than Zastrow Simms. He will be truly missed. May God give you peace during your time of sorrow.

Gordon and Kim Henson

April 19, 2013

My heartfelt sympathy goes out to the Simms family. God called him from Labor to reward. Zastrow were there for me when my husband pasted. They wre great friends in high school and when he was sick in the hospital just who showed up Zastrow. He was there to comfort me and my family. Somebody Bigger than you and I called Zastrow home. My love goes out to the famiy. Zastrow was love by all,He was more than just a friend.

Elsie B Watts

April 19, 2013

To Zastrow's family and many friends, you have our deepest sympathies. Every year my husband and I worked with Zastrow for the yearly crab feast at the Clay Street Senior Center. He spoke at my at dear sister, "Flo" Cantler's funeral and luncheon. He was a dear friend to me when going through some tough family times. Always caring, always asking how everyone was and always dressed to the hilt. RIP my friend. We love and miss you.

Eric & Colleen Cantler

April 19, 2013

Zastrow will be missed. But as long as there are stories to tell, he will be forever with us. RIP, and thanks for all you did for the city of Annapolis.

Donna McPherson Gathright

April 19, 2013

We will continue to absorb the benefits of your labor here on earth as we recall all that you have done for the City of Annapolis.

Thank You For The Journey.

Rest in Peace Zastrow

Deitra Hudson

April 19, 2013

You were instrumental in exposing many of us to a better way of life. Thanks for the memories. Rest in peace dear friend.

Julie Pinkney Tongue

April 19, 2013

Thanks for always being a fan Zastro..Thank you for old Stanton Center Youth games...Rest In Peace...

Jeffrey Brown

April 19, 2013

Family, please be encouraged knowing that our Heavenly Creator has healed Bro. Zastrow, raised him to a new level of power & victorious living...Amen & thank God !!!......Prayerfully, Rev Roberta C. Matthews

Rev Roberta C. Matthews

April 19, 2013

MAYOR,

YOU'RE AWAYS BE WITH US.

SARAH JAMES LYON

April 19, 2013

YOU ALWAYS BE HERE WITH US.

sarah parker-lyon

April 19, 2013

To the family I send my deepest sympathy, you are all in my prayers. When my father died in 1974 he asked Zastrow to "take care of my boys", I would like to thank you for carrying out that promise!!! I know that you and Arthur "Governor" Owens will have a lot of stories to share about the "old days". RIP

Londell Owens

April 19, 2013

A True Friend of the Annapolis and all its citizens. We all will miss his smiles and kindness. May is Memory be Everlasting.

Greg Mestanas

April 19, 2013

Ms. Lou, Desiree and Family, as everyone has said we have truly lost an extraordinary person who always seemed to be everywhere at all times. May God Bless you all and bring peace to you also.

Trick O'Dessa Watkins

April 19, 2013

Called from labor to reward! Zastrow was known by everyone in Annapolis. He never met a stranger. To God be the glory for the lives he touched. My deepest sympathy to the family.

Andterri Thompson El-Amin, Annapolis

April 19, 2013

As native Annapolitans, we all have memories of Zastrow. We extend our sympathy to the family during their time of sadness. Sincerely,

DeGora Johnson and family

April 19, 2013

Annapolis won't be the same without him, just remember that it's not goodbye but so long for now.

Erdine Wright

April 19, 2013

Zastrow was a kind and gentle soul. He was caring and always devoted himself to friends and family. In God's name we pray, amen.

Wendy Baden

April 19, 2013

May God bless you and your family in this time of sorrow.

Calvin Allen

April 18, 2013

To The Family Of Zastrow (Joseph) Simms

At this time of sadness, may you find strength in God and comfort in the thoughts of friends and family.

Betty and Gary Simpson

April 18, 2013

Well done thy good and faithful servant! May your light forever shine in Annapolis. My prayers are with the Simms family as you celebrate Mr. Zastrows' eternal legacy in the Annapolis community.

Tia' Jennings

April 18, 2013

To Mary Lou Simms, Stacey and Family
Zastrow meant so much to so many people. He was not just an icon to Annapolis, but to us in South County also, for he looked out for all youth. My kids in Shady Side also benefited from his many trips for youth to the Orioles games and to the Capital Center to the Bullet games. He took them on overnight camping trips to the Eastern Shore to watch the wild horses. He looked out for all kids providing them with opportunities that they would not otherwise be privileged to. He was a great man and a great friend to all that came in contact with him. We all felt like we were Zastrow's best friend. Theses are just some of the reasons that we will love him always.
May the peace of God be with you through this difficult time of bereavement.
Darlene Washington and Family

Darlene Washington

April 18, 2013

May you find comfort in knowing that others care.Zastrow spoke at Alfred Holland funeral 23 years and bought everyone to their feet with joyful stories.May he rest in peace.

Linda Holland

April 18, 2013

To the Family
Whrn your heart is empty, filling it with happy memories can help. He will truly be missed.
Arlene & Marion Wells

April 18, 2013

To the Family of Bro.Zastro,God has chosen another flower for his garden.Be Blessed an Icon and Mayor of Annapolis has taken his rest with deepest sympathy. Diane Graham

Diane Graham

April 18, 2013

Our deepest sympathy to the family. Zastrow will be truly missed. Loved you like a true brother - rest in peace.

Pete and Angie Hebron

April 18, 2013

To Mrs. Simms,
May GOD comfort all of you at this time. Sometimes we try to hold on when GOD's will must be done. Remember, Zastrow is no longer suffering, "Death where is your sting"...GOD will give you incredible strength! I know, because my Mom left this eatrh on March 16, 2013. GOD IS STILL GOOD, ALL THE TIME! For this is another day of HIS mercy and grace.
Darlene Jones Leonard

April 18, 2013

My prayers and thoughts are with you in this time of your loss.

Barbara Herbert

Barbara

April 18, 2013

from the Mullen family to yours God bless you all.

April 18, 2013

To the Simms Family, my thoughts and prayers are with you as you go through this difficult time. Zastrow was an amazing person and I'm glad that I had the chance to know him.
Now may the Lord of peace Himself give you peace always in every way. The Lord be with you all. 2 Thessalonians 3:16 (NKJV)

Carla Cooper

April 18, 2013

Zastrow was like a father to me, I will truly miss his laughter, God Bless you Zastrow

Sharon Brown

April 18, 2013

An Annapolis Legend has been called home...thanks for giving me my first job and all of the encouragement and laughs over the years. Well done thy faithful servant...RIP Zastrow. Sending my condolences and may God be with the Sims family throughout their bereavement.

Charmaine Butler-Waters

April 18, 2013

May your hearts soon be filled with wonderful memories of joyful times together as you celebrate a life well lived.

Ralene Lemon

April 18, 2013

Our hearts and prayers go out to the Simms Family.. From the Bowman Family.

April 18, 2013

My heartfelt sympathy to the Simms family. I have been gone from Annapolis for a lot of years, I have never forgotten Zastrow. He may be gone from your view, he will always be in your hearts.

Dorothy Roland

April 18, 2013

God looked around his garden and found an empty space. Then he looked down upon this earth and saw your tired face. He put his arms around you and lifted you to rest. God's garden must be beautiful. He only take the best.

With Sincere Sympathy. The Brown Family

Jamez Brown

April 18, 2013

Our prayer are with the Simms Family.

Tara and Marvin Hayes

April 18, 2013

To the family, Zastrow will be missed in Annapolis. It is my prayer that you find comfort in the many wonderful memories.

Rowlena Edwards

April 18, 2013

To the Family may God watch over you and Bless you. Zastrow was a father to the fatherless and a friend to the friendless. May his legacy live on forever. Blessings, Wendy & Erick Beavers Sr.

April 18, 2013

Grief can be so hard, but our special memories help us cope. Remembering you and your loved one today and always.

Rhonda

April 18, 2013

Annapolis has truly lost a living legend especially in the 4th Ward Community. Zastrow, you will be truly missed. Thank you for all the things you have done for me and my family over the years. You wore many hats in the Clay Street Community. My Condolsences goes out to the whole Simms Family. The City of Annapolis needs to plan a dedication day for this great man to honor his years of service and dedication.

Bobby Evans

April 18, 2013

To my lifelong Friend and Family, Desiree, I will miss Zastrow as much as anyone, we had such good times as youth and he was always a person that I could talk to. You are and always remain in my prayers. Faith Wright Commodore and Family

April 18, 2013

I remember Zastrow from Annapolis Middle School helping trouble students always sharing wisdom.

April 18, 2013

To The Simms Family: We at the Wiley H. Bates Legacy Center would like to extend our heartfelt sympathy to you. Zastrow had such a presence not only in life,and this city but this school and the Legacy Center as well. He will be missed by many. Our prayers are with you. Alma H. Cropper, Chairperson Wiley H. Bates Legacy Center, Inc.

April 18, 2013

To the family, you have my deepest smypathy. Zastrow aways felt like a part of the family, as he did with most people who knew him. He was a great buddy to hang out with, always a lot of laughs, and he will definitely be missed by everyone in my family.

Pat Brewer

April 18, 2013

Another Annapolis "Icon"-Zastrow will truly be missed. Joyce-Ann and family my prayers are with you. There is healing for your sorrows. Peace,

Melanie Harris

April 18, 2013

may you rest in peace""annnapolis will never the same'great basketball fan''

Barry& Cheryl Booth

April 18, 2013

To the family - you have my deepest sympathy. Zastrow, may you rest in peace.

Cynnie Herndon

April 18, 2013

Growing up in the 4th ward was awesome because of "Zastrow". Another Angel called home - he will be truly missed. May God continue to strengthen your family during this difficult time.

The Allsup's

April 18, 2013

AS THE DAYS AND WEEKS PASS, AND AS YOU RETURN TO LIFE'S ROUTINE, MAY YOU CONTINUE TO FEEL COMFORTED BY THE LOVE AND SUPPORT OF FAMILY AND FRIENDS.

THE THOMPSON FAMILY

April 18, 2013

Zas: We will always cherish the valuable lessons you taught us in life. You are the definition of a true icon. You always gave hope to those.. who thought there was no room for encouragement.Man I'm going to miss seeing you around town,smiling and singing your favorite song. Sending my condolences to Ms.Lou and family. Sincerely,

Janice Tutt and Family

April 18, 2013

Our family ties go back a long way. Our thoughts and prayers are with you. "Unc" will be certainly missed. We love you all and pray for your strength in the LORD. Much love to you all...

Mama Callie, Hobsy, Ann, and Family

April 18, 2013

As the days and weeks pass, and as you return to life's routine, may you continue to feel comforted by the love and support of family and friends.

April 18, 2013

It's strange how people walk in and out of our lives when you least expect it. That was "Zastrow"; you look up and there he was. I will ALWAYS remember the fun we had at VFW Karaoke Night.
Family,
My thoughts and prayers are with you. With heartfelt sympathy,

Vanessa Randall

April 18, 2013

To the family, Annapolis has lost a legend,Zastrow will truly missed by all. My thoughts and prayers are with you at this diffcult time.

Carla Owens-Clark

April 18, 2013

To the family,
Zastrow had a profound impact on my life. A very special spirit, who will never be forgotten! Thinking of you all with sincere sympathy.

Rhonda Holland-Williams

April 18, 2013

I will forever remember my cousin Zastrow's smile.His work on this side is done, and now he's resting in the bosom of Jesus. To the family continue to lean on God for your strenght. Palmer & Jones Family

Sharon Palmer

April 18, 2013

Annapolis has lost an icon that can never be replaced. Our thoughts and prayers are with you during this difficult time.

RoxAnne and Tierre Peters-Anderson

April 18, 2013

I am praying for your family, may you find comfort during your breavement.

Elaine Brown- Jackson

April 18, 2013

To the family, you have our deepest sympathy in the passing of a beloved legend and citywide icon, Joseph "Zastrow" Simms. May God grant him eternal peace and rest.

The DeJesus Family

April 18, 2013

Annapolis has lost a true legend. Zastrow will be missed by many. My sincerest condolences to the family.

Marsha Clark-Moore

April 18, 2013

You will definitely be missed Zastrow on the streets of Annapolis and all over. You were a kind spirit and spoke the truth about any and everything. Annapolis has a void now, but I know you are up there with God telling him all about your adventures here -- probably with your "purple" robe on! May god continue to bless your family, my Aunt Joyce Ann and everyone. God bless you all.

Darlene Booze Robinson

April 18, 2013

WORDS TRULY CANT EXPRESS WHAT THIS MAN MEANT TO ME SO I SHALL JUST SIMPLE SAY THANKS JOE! I FEEL THE FAMILIES LOSE BECAUSE I FEEL A GREAT LOSE ALSO. REST IN PEACE MY FRIEND. LOVE.

JONATHAN Adams

April 18, 2013

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