Ms. Carol Ann Simmons

Carol Ann Simmons was born in Rock Island, Illinois on January 8, 1945, to the union of William E. and Juanita (Smith) Simmons. Carol received her formal education within the Davenport, Iowa school system. She attended Eisenhower Elementary School, Sudlow Jr. High, and Davenport Central High School. She also took several classes at: St. Ambrose University in Davenport, Iowa; Blackhawk Community College in Moline, Illinois; University of Nebraska; and University of Iowa. Carol relocated to Milwaukee, WI in 1990 from Davenport, Iowa. Carol accepted Christ at an early age and was baptized at Mt. Zion Baptist Church in East Moline, Illinois. She later joined Progressive Baptist Church in Davenport, Iowa. Upon moving to Milwaukee in 1990, she united with Christ the King Baptist Church on December 2, 1990, under the leadership of Reverend John W. McVicker Sr. Carol was a faithful and active member at Christ the King. She led the Community Awareness and Seeds to Grow By Ministries, and served on the Women in Ministry core group, the Planning and Steering Committee, Singles Ministry, Abundant Life Senior Ministry, and served as church clerk. Carol was employed by Northwest Bell, AT&T, then Lucent Technologies. She started out as the first African American operator and worked her way up to installations. She also held many other positions. She was a Union Steward and loved politics, working with Operation Big Vote and the Democratic Party. Carol retired from Lucent Technologies in 1993, but later returned to work as the secretary for Progressive Baptist Church of Milwaukee for about ten years. Carol was a member of the Communication Workers of America, A. Philip Randolph Institute (APRI) and the AFL-CIO. Carol received numerous awards for services and achievements during her life. To name a few, she received the Civil and Human Rights Award from the Communication Workers of America APRI Milwaukee Chapter, the Julian A. Modjeski Union Builder Award, and she was inducted into the Eastern Iowa, Northwestern Illinois AFL-CIO. Carol enjoyed time with family and friends, dining out (she was a foodie), playing cards, games, and singing to all types of music. She also enjoyed crafts including calligraphy, stamping, sewing, and making special greeting cards. She was an avid golfer, and a Green Bay Packer and Milwaukee Bucks fan. Carol transitioned from this life on May 30, 2023. She was preceded in death by: mother, Juanita Simmons; father, William Simmons; and brothers, Anthony and Richard Simmons. She leaves to cherish her memory: two sisters, Arlene F. Myers (Thomas) of Davenport, IA and Barbara E. Chester of Detroit, MI; two nephews, Keith Myers of Jersey City, NJ and Stephen Chester (Janea) of Atlanta, GA; one cousin, Charlene Mayberry of Hammond, IN; great niece and nephew, Camryn and Julian Chester; and special friends, "usual suspects" (Claudetta, Timothea, Carla, Angie, Neddie), Cecily, Terry, Patsy, Anne, Ann, Ray, Mike, Judy, and Nacarci; friends at Grandville Circle and many more.

Ms. Carol Ann Simmons

January 8, 1945 - May 30, 2023