[Congressional Record Volume 168, Number 186 (Thursday, December 1, 2022)]
[Extensions of Remarks]
[Page E1204]
From the Congressional Record Online through the Government Publishing Office [www.gpo.gov]




                     REMEMBERING MR. JOHNNY SIMMONS

                                 ______
                                 

                         HON. HALEY M. STEVENS

                              of michigan

                    in the house of representatives

                       Thursday, December 1, 2022

  Ms. STEVENS. Madam Speaker, I rise today in memory of Mr. Johnny 
Simmons, a lifelong servant to others and longtime resident of Oakland 
County, who passed away on August 29, 2022. As Mr. Simmons's family 
reflected upon their loved one's life, they affectionately recall him 
as a faithful, loving, and kind person to all. While Mr. Simmons will 
be missed by the many who had the honor of knowing him, there is no 
doubt that these qualities have been impressed upon those around him 
and continue to positively influence the community.
  On September 4, 1936, Mr. Johnny B. Simmons was born in Highlandal, 
Mississippi, to Albert Simmons and Annie Bell Dantzler and was raised 
by a ``village'' of Simmons that cared for him as he grew. Early in his 
life, Mr. Simmons moved from his small community of ``Sun-Side'' in 
Mississippi to the South Side of Chicago, Illinois. As Mr. Simmons was 
earning his high school education, racial discrimination plagued the 
City of Chicago. He attended an integrated grammar school before then 
attending and graduating from the racially segregated DuSable High 
School.
  Following completion of his studies, Mr. Simmons served his country 
for four years with the United States Marine Corp and was honorably 
discharged in 1961. Shortly after his return to civilian life, Mr. 
Simmons married the love of his life, Charlene ``Chuck'' Simmons. Years 
later, he was quoted saying, ``My memory of love will be of Chuck 
Simmons. I thank God for the many outstanding years we shared.'' Their 
commitment was lifelong, enjoying 61 years of marriage together. At the 
age of 26, Mr. Simmons was also united with his father in what was 
described as ``love at first sight,'' rounding out his young family.
  While in Illinois, Mr. Simmons, was inducted into the Chicago police 
force. 1968 was a time of significant social change as black Americans 
continued to experience devastating racial discrimination throughout 
the country. Mr. Simmons witnessed the effects of this injustice as he 
performed his duties and was present for the unrest that resulted from 
the assassination of Rev. Dr. Martin Luther King, Jr. in 1968. After 
his time as an officer in Chicago, the family relocated to make 
Michigan their new home.
  Mr. Simmons became active in his new community, joining the Southside 
Seventh-day Adventist Church and maintained his service to the church 
for the remainder of his life. He proudly served as the patriarch of 
his beloved family in Pontiac, Michigan. Helping others and 
contributing to his community was a way of life for him, and many were 
fortunate to benefit from his selfless acts.
  Many are fortunate to carry on Mr. Simmons' wisdom, including his 
children, grandchildren, and the many who respect Mr. Simmons' life 
serving others. Continuing this legacy are three outstanding children--
Jackie, Jon Eric, and Kelli Lyn. He also earned two ``bonus daughters'' 
with Jon Eric's marriage to his wife Michelle, welcoming her sisters, 
Paula and Candace, to the family and then gained an additional son with 
Kelli's marriage to Ladon. He will be truly missed by all.
  Mr. Simmons' friends and family bid him farewell at his funeral on 
Friday, September 9th, at the Troy Seventh-day Adventist Church, 
following visitation services on September 8th. Mr. Simmons was given 
the great honor of receiving a military burial at the Great Lakes 
National Cemetery in Holly, Michigan, on September 12th, a fitting 
recognition to his years with the Marine Corps.
  Madam Speaker, it is a great honor to recognize the life of Mr. 
Johnny Simmons today, and I ask my colleagues to join me in celebrating 
his numerous contributions to our Nation. Mr. Simmons truly has lived a 
life worth celebrating and is owed a thanks for his life of service.

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