Mrs. Barbara Simmons

Mrs. Barbara Elaine Simmons peacefully entered into eternal rest on April 7, 2024.  She was the eldest of five siblings born to the late Edward and Mary Mitchell Lattimore.  She was predeceased by her parents, two sisters (Esther Drummond, Diana Lattimore), two brothers (Edward Lattimore Jr., John Wesley Lattimore) and her eldest daughter Patricia Redwood Gaines. 

At an early age, Barbara accepted Christ and joined Queen Street Baptist Church and was a loyal member for 50 plus years.  She was a member of the Wednesday night Bible Study and the Adult Sunday School Class.  She received her early education in the Hampton City schools.  She was also a member of the Phenix High School Class of 1951 Alumni Association.  She acquired nursing skills while taking early childhood education courses at Hampton Institute [University].  Barbara was employed by Sentara Hospital where she retired after 28 years of dedicated nursing service.

Barbara was a very giving and caring person, a dedicated mother and, grandmother, who took great care in raising her family.  An excellent cook, known for her pot roast, pound cakes, and macaroni and cheese.  Many neighbors, youth, family and friends have eaten from her table of plenty.  She knew how to work magic in the kitchen.  Although a quite person, when the occasion arose, with her wit, she managed a great comeback.  She loved sports and those “Redskins” [Commanders].  A loyal fan until the end.  Being the matriarch of the Lattimore family, she was honored with a surprised grand ball room 90th birthday dinner last August, which allowed her to receive flowers while she could smell them.  Celebrating with 90 or so of her children, grands, great-grands, great-great grands, neighbors, close church members, and close friends.

Barbara leaves to cherish her memories two sons, Leo Redwood III (Patricia), Jerry Simmons Jr. (Daphne), and one foster son, Jeffery Barnes; two daughters, Karen Petty (Larry) and Carlene Boykins; (9) grandchildren: Raymont Gaines, Leo IV (Maiko) Redwood, Shawn (Whitney) Redwood, Simone and Angelica Boykins, Jerry 3rd (Chelsea) Simmons, Devin (Yanna) Simmons, William Moore, Clayshawn (Johnnie) Moore; and (6) great-grand children:  Raymont Jr., Leo V, Jaylah,  Na’Eme, Jay, and Xavier; (5) nephews: Edward Lattimore III (Debbie), Todd Lattimore Sr. (Lisa), Fred Drummond Jr. (Yueta), Ronald Drummond, Michael Lattimore (Erika); (5) nieces:  Kim Mason (Ray), Donna (George) Chambers, Tina McNeil, Cathy and Fay Riley; a special cousin, Rev. Deborah Lee Bryant, great nieces and nephews, a special brother-in-law, Waymond Gaines, and friends.

It is the desire of the Simmons family that you keep them in your thoughts and prayers.

The family of Mrs. Barbara Simmons has entrusted her final care  to C. C. Carter Funeral Home, Inc.

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