Gerald Simms
- Published: May 15, 2026
Gerald Simms died Monday, April 27, 2026, at the age of 77.
Born Sept. 12, 1948, in Caledonia, New York, Gerald was the second of identical twins, sharing a lifelong bond with his twin brother, Thomas Michael Simms. He attended Caledonia Mumford High School, where he and his brothers were standout athletes, particularly in football.
He began college in Pine Bluff, Arkansas, and later transferred to Wilberforce University, where he was joined by family and formed lifelong friendships. There, he met Linda (Stillwell) Simms of Charleston, West Virginia. They shared 44 years of marriage marked by devotion, shared purpose and a strong family foundation until her passing in November 2011. That relationship remained a meaningful part of his life story.
Gerald later married Deborah “Denise” Lennon. Together, they built a steady and supportive partnership, enjoying travel, daily life and time together. Denise was a constant source of care and strength, especially in his later years, and their relationship was grounded in love, companionship, respect and commitment.
He was preceded in death by his parents, William “Stanley” Simms and Elizabeth Waters Simms; his brothers, Paul and Thomas Simms; his sisters, Patricia Greenlea, Marva Simms and Jacqueline Redmond; brothers-in-law, Warren Greenlea and Robert Redmond; sisters-in-law, Ilene Simms and Muriel Berkley; his nephew, Brian Robles; and numerous aunts, uncles and cousins.
Gerald faced many health challenges, including a coronary bypass surgery, living as a Type 1 diabetic and a battle with cancer, meeting each with strength and determination.
A man of deep faith, he was an active member of Central Chapel AME Church and the Sons of Allen. Gerald was a faithful and dedicated member of the Central Chapel Choir, the Sons of Allen Men’s Choir, the Steward Board and the Lay Organization. He also participated in The 365 Project of Yellow Springs. He served through action and presence — preparing meals, supporting church gatherings and stepping in wherever help was needed. His quiet service and steady reliability strengthened his church family and community in meaningful ways.
He retired as a strategic planning specialist with the Department of the Air Force at Wright-Patterson Air Force Base. In retirement, Gerald enjoyed golf, often playing weekly when weather permitted with Ron, Fulton, Tom, Bill, Gary, John, Jack and Dan, along with many other friends throughout the years. His love of the game spanned decades and brought him lasting friendship and joy. He also took pride in working in his garage and caring for his yard. Gerald loved shopping, coordinating outfits and dressing sharp. He enjoyed working on puzzles, especially his beloved 750-piece puzzles, often spending hours sorting pieces with a system all his own and finishing them in just a day or two. He was also a devoted Cleveland Browns fan who faithfully supported his team through every season.
Gerald found joy in creating holiday traditions, especially through his Halloween and Christmas displays, which became a source of delight for the neighborhood year after year.
As a father, Gerald was present, dependable and deeply committed to his daughters, Leslie White and Mikasa Simms, providing steady guidance, support and love. As a grandfather, he found great joy in Bryce and Jordan, cherishing every moment spent with them.
A proud resident of Yellow Springs for over 60 years, Gerald served two terms on Village Council beginning in 2011, as well as on the Community Resource Board, Human Relations Commission and the Yellow Springs school board.
He was recognized for his service with honors including Top 10 African American Male (2018), the Hidden Figure Project (2017) and the Kwanzaa Nguzo Saba Award.
He leaves behind his wife, Denise; his daughters, Leslie White and Mikasa Simms (Richard); his grandsons, Bryce White (Alex) and Jordan White; his sister, Judith Simms, of Caledonia, New York; his brother, Lewis Simms, of Stoughton, Massachusetts; his cousin, Joyce Miles, of Columbus, Ohio; his sisters-in-law, Carol Speakman (Scot), Lenora Berryman, Loretta Jefferson and Regina Strickland, of North Carolina; his brothers-in-law, Marcus Berkley (Lorraine), of Charlotte, North Carolina, and Gardell Berryman (Lorraine), of Columbus, Ohio; and a host of nieces, nephews, cousins and friends.
Gerald Simms will be remembered for his faith, generosity and unwavering commitment to his family and community. He will be deeply missed, and his love, example and spirit will continue to live on in the hearts of his family and community.
Service for Gerald Simms will be held on Saturday, May 16, 2026, at Central Chapel AME Church, 411 S. High St., Yellow Springs, Ohio. Visitation will be from 11 a.m. until time of the service, which will be at 1 p.m. Arrangements are entrusted to formerly Porter Qualls Freeman Funeral Home, now Marlan Gary Funeral Home Springfield Chapel, thechapelofpeace.com.
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