Benjamin Harrison Simms

Benjamin Harrison Simms, the fifth child of the late John William and Mary Susan Lincoln Simms, was born on November 25, 1938 at Bryn Mawr Hospital. He departed this life on July 7, 2024 to receive his heavenly reward.
He accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Second Baptist Church in Wayne under Reverend William H. Waller, Sr.
Benjamin, known affectionately as "Benjie" to his friends and family, was a man of quiet strength and unwavering dedication. He spent his early years in the small town of Ardmore, Pennsylvania, where he developed a love for sports and a keen interest in history. He received his education in the Lower Merion School District, excelling in cross country, track and field and basketball. After graduating from Lower Merion High School, Benjie pursued higher education at Virginia State University, earning a bachelor's degree. It was at VSU where he met his life partner, Shirley Lee Harris. They married in 1963 and were blessed with two children - Janea and Eric.
Benjie went on to manage the Avils Plant in Berwyn when the owner retired. He oversaw the operations even after the business was acquired by a new owner until its closure. Benjie also worked at Tartan Health Supplies and later Angelica Healthcare Linen Service as a plant operations manager until his retirement.
During his free time, Benjie was an avid traveler, discovering various destinations over the years. His love for sports, particularly basketball, was evident. For three decades, he organized Super Bowl gatherings with his friends. Additionally, he cherished moments spent with friends at the annual Penn Relays.
Benjie was a devoted father and caregiver to his daughter Janea. He was a faithful member of Second Baptist Church of Wayne, where he served as the Chairman of the Board of Trustees. He was also a member of Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Incorporated.
Benjie's legacy is one of love, service, and integrity. He leaves behind a family who adored him, friends who cherished him, and a community that benefited greatly from his generosity and hard work.
His memory will live on in the hearts of his children Janea and Eric; his sisters Virginia Turner, Eleanor Simms, and Mary Jones; nieces Faith Littlejohn (Jeff), Romaine Simms, and Tori Jones; nephews John Simms III, Russell Simms, Michael Simms, Darren Jones; and a host of great-nieces, great-nephews, cousins and friends.
In addition to his parents he was preceded in death by his wife Shirley Lee Simms; his brothers John William Simms, Jr. and Melvin Henry Simms; and his godson Gregory Turner, Sr.
Sorrowfully,
The Family
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