Delores Simmons

Delores J. (Harmon) Simmons was born in Houston, Texas, on November 10, 1941, to Lee Esther Harmon and Johnnie Harmon. She grew up in Baytown, Texas, where she graduated as Valedictorian from George Washington Carver High School and later attended Texas Southern University in Houston. While at Texas Southern, she met and married Joe Louis Simmons, and they later made their home in Fort
Worth, Texas.

Delores began her professional career at Southwestern Bell Corporation, where she faithfully served in the Finance Department for thirty-two years before retiring.

After retirement, she devoted herself to community service and volunteerism. She served as a volunteer with the American Cancer Society, a committee member of the Tarrant County Susan B. Komen Race for the Cure, and a volunteer with the Fort Worth Convention and Visitors Bureau. She also served as a Board member of Senior Citizens Services and volunteered with the Renaissance Cultural Center,
the American Lung Association, Sister Cities, and Medical Plaza Health Center. In addition, she was a member of Friends of the Fort Worth Library, Telephone Pioneers of America, and the Communication Workers of America. Delores was a devoted and proud member of two organizations that were especially near and dear to her heart: the Greater Fort Worth Area Chapter of the National Association of Negro Business and Professional Women's Club (NANBPWC), where she represented the organization at the local, South Central District, and National levels for many years; and the Fort Worth Chapter of Zeta Amicae, where she served as Auxiliary President and also as Vice President and Treasurer at the regional level.

Throughout her years of service, Delores received numerous awards and recognitions, including the Program Excellence Award, Leadership Award, and Ombudswoman Award from the NANBPWC. She was also honored as Zeta Amicae of the Year and received the Zeta Amicae Friendship Award from the Southern Region of Zeta Amicae of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Incorporated. In recognition of her tireless devotion to the community, she was also saluted as "Citizen of the Week" by La Vida News/The Black Voice.

Delores was a loving mother, devoted wife, dedicated grandmother, cherished sister, and a dear friend to many. She loved to cook, travel, and generously opened her heart and home to care for others.

Delores was preceded in death by her parents, Lee Esther Harmon and Johnnie Harmon. She leaves to cherish her memory: her husband, Joe Louis Simmons; her children, Anthony D. Simmons, Sr. (Tracey Simmons) and Portia D. Simmons Curley; her grandchildren, Danielle, Anthony Jr., Lee, Blaire, and Pierce; her brothers, Earl G. Harmon and Sterling L. Harmon, Sr.; and a host of extended family and friends.